Nigeria has assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its unwavering commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive general elections in 2027.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Thursday, October 29, 2026, while receiving the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, led by former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and applicable electoral laws.
She said Nigeria remained committed to providing an electoral process that would guarantee peaceful participation, transparency, credibility and inclusiveness.
Foh, who led the ECOWAS delegation, explained that the mission was in Nigeria to assess the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections through consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders.
He said the mission’s preliminary assessment suggested that the environment for the forthcoming elections was favourable.
However, he noted that consultations were still ongoing, adding that the delegation would submit a report containing its findings and recommendations at the conclusion of the exercise.
During the meeting, Odumegwu-Ojukwu underscored the importance of voter education and effective enforcement of electoral laws in preventing electoral offences and ensuring peaceful conduct of the polls.
She also highlighted the responsibilities of political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media in promoting peaceful elections.
The minister stressed the need to strengthen practical measures to improve the participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the electoral process.
She further acknowledged the importance of credible election observation, noting that it would promote transparency, strengthen public confidence and help identify areas requiring improvement throughout the electoral process.
The ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission is part of the regional body’s engagement with member states ahead of major elections.
Such missions undertake consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders to assess electoral preparedness and the political environment, with a view to identifying issues that could affect the conduct of peaceful and credible elections.
Nigeria is scheduled to hold its next general elections in 2027, when voters will elect the President, members of the National Assembly, state governors and members of the state Houses of Assembly.
