Our election observation missions are impartial – EU addresses El-Rufai’s Comment

The European Union mission in Nigeria has addressed comments made by Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai concerning the 2019 elections.

El-Rufai, speaking on NTA, had said anyone planning to interfere in the 2019 elections would leave in “body bags.”

Punch reports that the EU, addressing the comment in a statement, said its election observation missions are impartial.

EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to and beyond February 16 elections.

We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday, 5 February.

EU election observation missions give commentary and analysis, and make recommendations about the electoral process. EU election observation missions are impartial, do not interfere in the electoral process, and operate according to a strict code of conduct.

While the security of EU observers is of paramount importance, and will remain under constant review, EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections.

The mission looks at all aspects of the election, including the campaign tone, the transparency of the election administration, the neutrality of security forces, and the independence of the judiciary, the statement added.