The European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, has clarified that the bloc’s role ahead of the 2027 general election is to support Nigerian stakeholders rather than direct or replace them.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Mignot said: “We are here to support Nigerian stakeholders, not to take their place or tell them what to do.”

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The statement aligns with the EU’s repeated position that Nigeria’s electoral choices belong to Nigerians and that its engagement is strictly non-partisan.

In recent weeks Mignot has warned of the risks of electoral disinformation, artificial intelligence and deepfakes, urging early preparation of verification systems and clear communication lines before polling day.

He has also confirmed that the EU will deploy a small Electoral Expert Mission of two to four independent experts, rather than a full observation mission, following an invitation from the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The EU continues to fund the Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria programme, which assists electoral institutions and civil society while respecting Nigerian sovereignty and supporting no political party or candidate.

Mignot has previously stressed the need to protect civic space, women’s participation and the rights of persons with disabilities, and has called on all stakeholders to prevent electoral violence.

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The clarification comes as preparations intensify for the 2027 polls, with Nigerian authorities and international partners focusing on institutional readiness and information integrity.