Uhuru to head AU Election Observer Team for Nigeria election

NAIROBI, Kenya - Uhuru Kenyatta ,Kenya’s former head of state has been appointed as the lead observer for Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Nigeria polls scheduled for February 25th.

The appointment by African Union (AU) is a short-term election observation mission which comprises of 90 members drawn from various AU member states.

“The elections observer team comprises representatives of election management bodies, civil society organizations, independent experts, women, and youth as well as AU Organs, notably, the Pan African Parliament and Permanent Representatives Committee,” read in part a statement from the agency.

AU said the objectives of the mission are to provide an accurate and impartial assessment of the electoral process, offer recommendations for any improvement in future polls, and demonstrate AU support towards consolidation of democracy, peace, stability, and development in Nigeria.

"To demonstrate AU’s solidarity and support towards consolidation of democracy, peace, stability and development in Nigeria," the statement added. While in Nigeria, Uhuru's team is expected to engage various stakeholders during the election period before delivering their preliminary report on February 27. “As part of its observation process in Nigeria, the AUEOM will engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the polling process. Based on its findings the AUEOM will issue a preliminary statement of the electoral process on February 27 in Abuja,” the AU said. Nigeria is expected to hold their elections on Saturday, February 25.

Africa’s most populous country goes to the polls on the 25th of February.

Nearly 100 million people will vote to choose the successor to President Muhammadu Buhari, who steps down after two terms.

As part of its observation process in Nigeria, the AUEOM will engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the polling process.

GAROWE ONLINE