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EU Will Deploy Electoral Experts for Nigeria’s 2027 Election

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EU Delegation Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot
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  • Denies boycotting election claim
  • Urges journalists to very facts before reporting

The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has pledged to deploy an Electoral Expert Mission of two to four independent experts to be part of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

It also denied withdrawing from observing Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

On Monday, the EU Delegation Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot released a statement concerning its position on the matter.

Furthermore, it urged journalists to verify reports concerning EU positions directly with its press and communication office.

The statement said:

“The European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS has noted with surprise inaccurate press reports published today stating that it had sent a letter to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declining an invitation to observe the 2027 polls in Nigeria and citing in the correspondence two reasons for this decision: the worsening security situation across the country and the hostile treatment of its observers and officials after the publication of its final report on the 2023 general election.”

Instead, the delegation said it received a formal invitation from INEC dated April 17, 2026, and responded on July 28, informing the commission that the EU would field an Electoral Expert Mission (EEM).

The statement equally explained the role of the eem saying:

“An EEM, like an Electoral Observation Mission, assesses whether the electoral process is conducted in line with international, regional and national obligations and commitments on the conduct of democratic elections to which the country has subscribed. The EEM submits a final report with recommendations on how to improve the electoral framework and future electoral processes, the report will be shared with the government, and if they agree, it can also be released to the wider public.”

The EU Delegation also dismissed the reported false narrative that worsening insecurity and the alleged hostile treatment of its observers and officials after its 2023 election report were reasons for its decision.

“The EU Delegation further underlines that the two alleged reasons mentioned in the press reports do not appear in the letter: these are pure speculations,” it said.

The delegation explained that the European Union decides annually on the electoral missions it sends to partner countries that extend invitations, as well as the type of mission to be deployed, based on individual circumstances and available resources.

“It is on this basis that the decision to conduct an EEM in Nigeria has been taken and will be further consulted with the relevant Nigerian authorities for its implementation,” the statement said.

The EU stressed that the decision would not affect its wider support for Nigeria’s democratic and electoral processes.

“This decision does not affect in any way the continuation of the implementation of the EU-funded project ‘Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria’ including its dimension of support to the electoral process,” it said.

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EKSWAMA BOARD MEMBERS APPRECIATE OYEBANJI, THANK GOVERNOR FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

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Members of the Board of the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority (EKSWAMA), led by its Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi, have expressed appreciation to Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for the opportunity and privilege to serve the people of the state.

The Board members, in a statement following the dissolution of boards and termination of appointments of political appointees by the Governor, described their tenure as a great honour and an opportunity to contribute to the development of Ekiti State.

They thanked Governor Oyebanji for the confidence reposed in them and for the support provided to the Authority throughout their tenure.

The members said they were particularly proud of their contributions towards promoting effective waste management, environmental cleanliness and a healthier environment for residents of the state.

They also commended the Governor for his commitment to good governance and the administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of the people and accelerate development across the state.

While accepting the Governor’s decision to dissolve the Board, the members said they remained grateful for the opportunity to serve and contribute their quota to the progress of Ekiti State.

They wished Governor Oyebanji continued wisdom, strength and God’s guidance in the administration of the state, assuring him of their loyalty and continued support for initiatives aimed at advancing the development of Ekiti.

The EKSWAMA Board comprises the Chairman, Prince Oladele Adeniyi; Hon. Ayodeji Ajayi; Otunba Olorunfemi Ayodeji; Bayode Obasonyin; Mustapha Adeniran; Mr. Omoniyi Joseph; Mrs. Mojisola Adewumi; and Mr. Bosunde Olufemi.

The Board members also expressed appreciation to the former Director-General of EKSWAMA, Hon. Olasunkanmi Onipede, for his leadership, cooperation and commitment to the success of the Authority during their tenure.

They acknowledged the valuable contributions of Hon. Onipede and the entire management team, describing their collaboration as instrumental to the implementation of various initiatives and programmes of the Authority.

The Board members said their collective efforts with the management team contributed to advancing the mandate of EKSWAMA and promoting a cleaner and healthier environment across the state.

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GOVERNOR OYEBANJI DISSOLVES BOARDS, TERMINATES APPOINTMENTS OF POLITICAL APPOINTEES

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Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the immediate dissolution of boards, commissions and parastatals in the state, as well as the termination of the appointments of political appointees.

 

 

The affected political appointees include Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and Technical Assistants.

 

 

A statement issued on Sunday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said the decision was necessitated by the gradual winding down of the Governor’s first term ahead of the inauguration of his second term on October 16, 2026.

 

 

The statement, however, clarified that chairmen and members of statutory commissions are not affected by the dissolution.

 

 

Those exempted include the State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission and Judicial Service Commission.

 

 

The governing councils of all state-owned tertiary institutions are also to remain in place, in line with the Governor’s earlier directives.

 

 

Similarly, the chairmen of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Local Government Service Commission and Teaching Service Commission will remain in office, although the respective boards have been dissolved.

 

 

Also exempted from the termination of appointments are Directors-General and Technical Advisers to the Governor.

 

 

Governor Oyebanji expressed appreciation to the affected appointees for their contributions to the success of his administration and their service to the people of Ekiti State.

 

 

He wished them continued success in their future endeavours.

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Benin-Asaba Road to Be Redesigned on Concrete Pavement

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Section of Benin-Asaba Road
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The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said the 136-kilometre Benin-Asaba Road will be redesigned with reinforced concrete pavement following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi made this known on Thursday in Benin City during the ‘Operation Rescue Benin-Asaba Road’ event.

He also clarified that the Federal Government had not awarded any company a contract for the emergency rehabilitation of the road.

According to the minister, the government is currently carrying out temporary intervention works to improve the condition of the road while arrangements for its long-term reconstruction are being developed.

Umahi said the Federal Government had presented three options to the concessionaire for the continuation of the agreement, but none was accepted.

He said the development had led to a new approach, with President Tinubu directing the redesign of the entire 136-kilometre dual carriageway with reinforced concrete pavement.

The minister said the project had been defined and that immediate intervention would begin on the Benin Bypass.

Umahi further explained that the emergency rehabilitation was not awarded to Hitech or any other contractor.

He said the Ministry of Works had instead hired equipment from contractors operating along the road corridor, including Hitech, CECC and CBC, to carry out the temporary repairs.

According to him, the ministry is still sourcing additional equipment and plans to undertake intensive intervention works to improve the road within the next four weeks.

The minister said the temporary intervention is intended to make the road safer and more accessible while the Federal Government works on the permanent reconstruction of the route.l

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