INEC SAYS IT DOES NOT RECIEVE DIRECT FUNDING FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION NOR AN ACCOUNT WHERE DONORS FUNDS ARE WAREHOUSED 29-01-25
By Sadiq Aminu The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC , says it does not recieve direct funding from the European Union nor an account where donors funds are warehoused.
INEC Chairman, Mahmoud Yakubu stated this in Abuja when the newly appointed EU Ambassador, Gautier Mignot visited him.
Professor Yakubu explained that EU and other development patterns provide indirect support such as technical assistance, Consultancy services and Capacity building programmes.
He said that activities like Voter Registration, Production of Permanent Voter Cards, training and remuneration of ad hoc staff and others remained the sovereign responsibility of the Commission.
He said that out of the 23 recommendations made by the EU in its report after the 2023 General Election, eight required action by the Commission while 15 was expected to be addressed by the Executive, Judiciary and Legislative arms of government and other stakeholders.
Professor Yakubu said the Commission was ready to always collaborate with the EU especially on the third phase of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria.
In a remark, the new EU Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Gautier Mignot commended the Country’s steady progress in Democratic governance.
He said without credible electoral system that enjoys the trust of the citizens and stakeholders, there would not be a good democracy.
Ambassador Mignot reaffirmed the Commitment of the EU in respecting the sovereignty of Nigeria while providing expertise to strengthen electoral systems.