2023 election: Wike hit out at EU over report

On Monday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has hit out at the European Union (EU) regarding its assessment of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. Wike argued that the report failed to accurately depict the actual circumstances of the recent election in Nigeria and instead created a misleading impression, particularly concerning Rivers State. His dissatisfaction with the EU’s report was expressed during a visit by EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, to his office.

Wike emphasized that the EU’s role should have been that of an observer during the election, not to produce a report that does not reflect the true state of Nigerian democracy. He pointed out that Nigerian laws and conditions differ from those of the European Union, making direct comparisons problematic.

“I did not agree with the European Union regarding their last report on the Nigerian election,” Wike stated. “Their role is to observe. Nigerian laws cannot be identical to EU laws due to the differing contexts. In Rivers State, the EU’s report contradicted what actually happened there. How can people who believe in democracy and practice it be portrayed as those who do not understand democracy? Our focus should be on improving economic growth. We need to collaborate and agree on specific areas of development within the Federal Capital Territory and the entire country. Foreign partners should prioritize strategic development regardless of the specific regions.”

In response, Samuela Isopi clarified that the report had been compiled by independent observers and was not reflective of her own operations. She assured the minister of her commitment to collaborating on initiatives that would enhance development in the territory and beyond.