We’re not here in Nigeria to support any party, candidate — EU

…political competition must never come at the expense of peace, says Switzerland envoy

The European Union (EU) has reiterated its commitment to neutrality ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying it does not support any political party or candidate in Nigeria.

The EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja. He was represented by the Chargé d’Affaires, Agnieszka Torres, at the formal signing of the First National Peace Accord on Issue-Based Campaigns organised by the National Peace Committee in partnership with The Kukah Centre.

“The European Union and its member states wish to reiterate their priority of impartiality. We are not here to support any political party or any candidate other than Nigeria, its people, and its democracy.”

Torres said the EU was honoured to witness the signature ceremony by presidential candidates as Nigeria prepares for another critical election cycle.

“In 2023, Nigeria once again set an example for Africa and for the world through the peaceful transition of power from one civilian administration to another,” she said.

She expressed hope that the 2027 elections would further consolidate Nigeria’s democracy through polls that are fair, credible, transparent and peaceful.

“As the largest democracy in Africa—and this was emphasized very much today—elections in Nigeria matter greatly. First and foremost, they matter for Nigerians, but they also matter to the rest of the continent, as Nigeria carries responsibility to lead and to inspire other African countries,” Torres stated.

She told political party leaders that they hold a special duty to ensure peaceful campaigns. 

She urged them to stand against violence, hate speech and disinformation, and to promote respect, inclusivity and tolerance.

“You are role models for the voters and for citizens, especially for Nigeria’s youth who are looking to you for guidance and for example,” she said.

Torres stressed that the integrity of the process depends on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to rules and institutions. 

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In this regard, she said INEC must be allowed to operate freely without pressure or interference and must in turn demonstrate neutrality, transparency, professionalism and accountability to earn public confidence.

She also called on security agencies to maintain strict neutrality and guarantee safety for all actors in the electoral process. 

She commended the Deputy Inspector General of Police for specifically mentioning the role of women and gender in elections.

“I would like to thank you for mentioning gender and women in electoral processes. You were the only one, I guess except for the MC, who mentioned that today. So, as a woman—the only woman on stage today, although representing my ambassador, who’s a man—thank you for pointing this out, sir,” she said.

The EU official commended the National Peace Committee for its consistent role in promoting peaceful elections since 2015, noting that its work remains vital ahead of 2027.

Torres congratulated the presidential candidates and political parties for signing the First National Peace Accord.

Also speaking, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Felix Egloff, who was represented by Mr. Simon Gemperli, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland, urged Nigerian political actors to ensure that the contest for power in 2027 does not undermine the country’s peace and stability.

Gemperli said the message of the gathering was simple but critical.

“The message of today’s gathering is simple, but important: political competition must never come at the expense of peace,” he stated.

He noted that democracy thrives on differences, but such differences must be expressed through ideas, policies and peaceful debate. 

“Parties will disagree. Candidates will compete. Citizens will make different choices. What matters is that these differences are expressed through ideas, policies, and peaceful political debate. This is why commitment to issue-based campaigns is so timely,” he said.

The Swiss envoy said Nigerians deserve debates centred on real issues as the country approaches 2027, including security, livelihoods, education, governance, inclusion and the future of the country.

Speaking on the current project, “Strengthening the National Peace Committee Stakeholder Engagements for Peace and Good Governance in Nigeria,” he said it is aimed at strengthening engagement with electoral institutions, political actors and local peace structures, while improving accountability and early warning ahead of 2027.

Gemperli cited lessons from the 2026 off-cycle elections in Ekiti and Osun States, where the partnership focused on accountability, early warning and responding to electoral risks. 

He stressed that peaceful elections are about more than the absence of violence. 

He reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts towards peaceful, inclusive and credible democratic processes, and commended the National Peace Committee for its role.