The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Commission's headquarters as part of efforts to strengthen support for peaceful and credible elections ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections.
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (SRSG), Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the Commission's headquarters.
Simão said the visit was aimed at demonstrating the United Nations' support for INEC as it prepares for the 2027 general elections, noting that the Commission faces a significant responsibility in managing the electoral process in a country confronted by terrorism and other security challenges.
Start tomorrow informed
Save your place for the morning brief. We’ll start emailing when delivery goes live.
Free. Confirm by email. Unsubscribe anytime.
He stressed that elections should not become another source of violence or instability for Nigeria but should instead serve as instruments for promoting peace, democratic stability and national development.
According to him, the United Nations recognises the enormous responsibility before the Commission and wants INEC to know that it is not alone in undertaking the task of organising peaceful elections.
"We are here, pleased to give you moral support, that you are not alone in facing this mammoth task," he said.
He added that the United Nations would maintain a presence during the elections, not as observers, since it had no mandate to undertake election observation, but to encourage positive conduct and support an atmosphere conducive to peaceful participation.
Simão further noted that peaceful and successful elections in Nigeria would have implications beyond the country's borders, serving as an inspiration to other countries in West Africa and contributing to regional stability and integration.
Discussion0