How we spent £150m on elections in Nigeria since 1999 – EU

The European Union has revealed that it had so far committed 150 million Euros on elections in Nigeria since the return of the nation’s ongoing democratic experiment.

It, however, warned against external interference in the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC,in the forthcoming general elections.

“INEC must be allowed to operate free from outside pressure, and in turn must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism,”it said.

Amb. Samuela Isopi,EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS,who said these in Abuja,in message at the Programme Launch of the EU-Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria,EU-SDGN, explained that the money was used in providing technical support to key electoral institutions and stakeholders in the country.

“The European Union has provided technical support to key electoral institutions and stakeholders since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, with over a hundred and fifty million euros (150 million euros) committed so far. Phase 1 of the EU-SDGN programme contributed to the reform of the electoral process by building capacities, strengthening institutions, strengthening the role and participation of civil society, and contributing to the reform of the legal framework,”he said.

According to the ambassador,”The EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU SDGN) testifies to our continued partnership with Nigeria. A partnership that has grown in mutual respect and benefit since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.”