The European Union has stated that with the importance of Nigeria as a towering African nation, it would continue to maintain and sustain its cordial relationship with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The outgoing European Union (EU) Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, who stated this during a visit
to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, affirmed EU’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of the Nigerian people for a stronger and deeper democracy.
While sharing workplace memories with the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, she noted that the partnership between the EU and INEC had been placed on a self-sustaining echelon.
Ambassador Isopi told the media that the visit marked the end of her diplomatic tenure in Nigeria after serving for three years as the EU’s envoy to Nigeria and Nicaragua.
She acknowledged her privilege and honour to serve Nigerian people and emphasised the importance of the partnership that now exists between the EU and INEC.
She said INEC had played a significant role in her diplomatic work in Nigeria and has been a crucial partner in the EU’s efforts to support and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
The EU ambassador said maintaining and deepening the partnership remained a core priority for the EU, reflecting on the successful collaboration under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN) initiative.
She commended the open and frank nature of the EU’s relationship with INEC, likening it to a family where differing viewpoints could be discussed and resolved amicably.
