As Nigerians countdown to February 25, 2023 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, European Union (EU) Long Term Observers met with the leadership of Conscientious Youth Empowerment Foundation, CYEF, in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The essence of the meeting was to brainstorm on how to record a hitch-free 2023 general elections in Nigeria which is less than 20 days from today.
According to Mr. Nuno Simons and Ms. Veronika Homolova- certified International Election Observers and representative of the European Union in Nigeria, all hands must be on deck for the forthcoming general election to be a success.
“This election is very important to Nigeria and the International Community, the main reason why we are here to monitor the process, as the EU is fully committed to see that Nigeria in particular and Africa in general, keeps tab with democracy,” Mr. Nuno said.
On her part, Ms. Homolova assured Nigerians of the support of the European Union.
“Nigeria occupies a vantage position in Africa, hence; the need to be involved in her democratic process for country, Europe and the world,l” she added.
The duo spoke unanimously of the resolve of the EU to monitor the process of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections prior, during and after the polls, noting that they will be collaborating with other relevant stakeholders all through the exercise till after two months of the elections before giving comprehensive report and recommendations.
Meanwhile, Comrade George Oyeyiola, the Executive Director of Conscientious Youth Empowerment Foundation, appreciated the efforts of the EU in seeing that democracy is enshrined in Nigeria and the world.
“We are glad to have the EU and other International Observers, because this election is dear to us and as an NGO, our efforts are almost nothing without individuals of your magnitude” he added.
He, however, assured the group of CYEF’s support all through the process.
The Community Engagement Director of CYEF- Mr. Dada Oluwabamise was among individuals present at the meeting.
It could be recalled that prior to European Union (EU) Long Term Observers’ meeting with the CYEF, the group was among stakeholders who met at the Kwara State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Ilorin.
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