On Monday, Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed his dissatisfaction with the European Union (EU) about its assessment of the nation’s most recent general election.
In a report issued in June, the 27-member EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) claimed that the country’s general elections, which were held between February 25 and March 18, lacked transparency.
In order to improve accountability, inclusivity, and openness in the voting system, it also suggested legal and procedural changes.
However, Wike said that the report did not provide the accurate picture of the elections when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, paid him a visit in his office in Abuja.
The former governor of Rivers State pleaded with the EU and other international organizations to uphold national laws.
He said: “I sincerely do not agree with the European Union on their stance about the past election in Nigeria. I do solemnly take exceptions to their stance.
“You see, we thought there was no need for you to interfere in Nigeria but rather to observe and make recommendations. And your interference came when there were electoral tribunals going on. It is not acceptable.
“In fact, I was surprised like in Rivers State. I ask, ‘How many of you were in Rivers State to visit the 6, 886 or thereabouts number of polling units?’ Sometimes, you send one or two persons.
“So, if you have seen some infractions in 20 polling units, is that enough to make a general conclusion? And you said, there in Rivers State that they did not allow the opposition to campaign which is totally not correct.
“Our laws cannot be a replica of yours.”
In his remark, the EU envoy said the report was produced by independent observers picked by the bloc.