Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Civil society organisations implementing the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme will establish a Joint Election Observation Hub to support the observation of the forthcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election.
The initiative brings together Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre (IPC), the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) in a coordinated effort to provide independent, citizen-centred election observation and timely, evidence-based information throughout the electoral process.
The Joint Election Observation Hub will serve as a central coordination platform for receiving, verifying and analysing reports from accredited observers deployed across polling units in all local government areas of Ekiti State. The partners will monitor key aspects of the election, including the opening of polls, voter accreditation, voting, counting, results collation, the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities, media coverage, electoral integrity, and compliance with electoral guidelines.
Verified information from the field will be analysed in real time and shared through periodic public updates to promote transparency, counter misinformation, strengthen public confidence, and encourage peaceful participation before, during and after the election.
The Ekiti Joint Election Observation Hub builds on the successful collaboration first introduced during the Anambra governorship by-election, where the EU-SDGN partners piloted a coordinated election observation platform that demonstrated the value of collective civil society action. The model has since evolved into a locally led and locally driven mechanism that reflects the expertise, ownership and commitment of Nigerian civil society organisations working to strengthen democratic governance.
Speaking on behalf of the EU-SDGN implementing partners, the organisations said the initiative demonstrates what sustained collaboration can achieve in strengthening electoral integrity.
"The Joint Election Observation Hub reflects the strength of Nigerian civil society working together in the public interest. By bringing together our expertise, nationwide networks and election observation efforts, we are able to provide timely, credible and evidence-based information that strengthens transparency, supports peaceful participation and reinforces public confidence in the electoral process."
The partners reaffirmed that credible elections depend on the active participation of citizens and the collective commitment of electoral institutions, security agencies, political actors, the media and civil society.
"Every stakeholder has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process. We encourage citizens to participate peacefully, reject violence and misinformation, and contribute to an election that reflects the will of the people."
Laolu Olawumi, Governance Adviser at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the European Union remains committed to supporting Nigerian institutions and civil society to deepen democratic governance through locally owned and sustainable initiatives.
"The European Union is proud to support initiatives that place Nigerian organisations at the forefront of strengthening democracy. The Joint Election Observation Hub is significant because it is locally led, locally driven and built on the collective expertise of trusted Nigerian civil society organisations. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting sustainable democratic institutions while ensuring that Nigerians themselves lead the efforts to protect and strengthen their democracy."
The European Union has remained a longstanding partner in Nigeria's democratic development. Through the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, the EU supports initiatives that strengthen electoral institutions, promote inclusive political participation, support credible election observation, enhance civic engagement, encourage responsible media reporting, and deepen democratic accountability.
The Joint Election Observation Hub forms part of these broader efforts to support peaceful, credible and inclusive elections while reinforcing public trust in Nigeria's democratic process.
