24th February, 2023
By Lizzy Okoji
The European Union Observation Mission (EU EOM) to the 2023 General Elections have condemned the recent act of violence in the country.
In a statement in Abuja on Friday, the EU EOM singled out the recent politically-linked assassination in some parts of the country leading up to the election day.
The EU EOM Chief Observer, Barry Andrews urged all electoral stakeholders to engage in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Peace Accord signed on Feb. 22.
Andrews urged the candidates, political parties, their supporters and all Nigerians to act responsibly for a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible elections.
“The EU EOM condemns the recent acts of severe and coordinated incidents of violence, in particular the recent assassination, and urges authorities to hold those responsible to account.
“The EU EOM urge all electoral stakeholders to engage in a manner that reflects the spirit of the Peace Accord signed on 22 February – on election day and in the days that follow as votes are counted and tabulated, and results are announced.
“Furthermore, we urge security agencies to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure an enabling environment for peaceful elections.
The mission urged stakeholders to channel any concern on the election or its outcome through designated election tribunals and courts as provided for in the laws of Nigeria.
“The EU EOM will continue to observe the electoral process, including the transparency of the election administration, the impartiality of security agencies, and the independence of the judiciary.
“The EU Election Observation Mission has been deployed by the European Union upon an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Feb. 23 some unknown gunmen killed Oyibo Chukwu, Labour Party Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East District.