The European Union Election Observation Mission has reacted to a comment by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, saying foreign observers who interfered in Nigerian elections would go back in body bags.
The EU, in a statement on Tuesday, said it was aware of the comment but assured it was not in Nigeria to interfere in the election.
In the statement signed by its Press and Public Outreach Officer, Sarah Fradgley, the observers group said, “Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags.
“EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to and beyond February 16 elections.
“We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on the elections Tuesday 5 February.
“EU election observation missions give commentary and analysis, and make recommendations about the electoral process. EU election observation missions are impartial, do not interfere in the electoral process, and operate according to a strict code of conduct.
“While the security of EU observers is of paramount importance, and will remain under constant review, EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections
“The mission looks at all aspects of the election, including the campaign tone, the transparency of the election administration, the neutrality of security forces, and the independence of the judiciary.”
