European Union Does Not Provide Direct Funding to INEC – Prof Yakubu Clarifies 

European Union Does Not Provide Direct Funding to INEC – Prof Yakubu Clarifies 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has made it clear that the Commission does not receive direct funding from the European Union (EU). This statement came during his meeting with the newly appointed EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot, at INEC’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Amid growing public curiosity regarding the Commission’s funding sources from foreign partners, Prof. Yakubu emphasized that INEC’s external support is strictly limited to specific areas such as technical assistance, consultancy services, and capacity-building programs, which are organized through implementing partners selected by the donor agencies.

“The EU and other development partners provide indirect support in areas such as the publication of reports, retreats, stakeholder engagement, and consultancy. Their support does not involve any direct funding of core electoral activities like voter registration, production of PVCs, training and remuneration of ad hoc staff, or electoral logistics. These activities remain the sovereign responsibility of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” he stated.

In response, Ambassador Mignot praised Nigeria for the strides made in democratic governance, noting that the country’s democracy is a vital component of regional stability. He emphasized the importance of a credible electoral system that gains the trust of citizens and stakeholders, stating, “Without a credible electoral system that enjoys the trust of citizens and stakeholders, there can be no good democracy.”

Ambassador Mignot also reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty while offering expertise to enhance the country’s electoral process.