The United Nations has renewed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development, describing the country’s electoral achievements as a vital indicator of stability and progress across Africa.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, made this known on Thursday when he led a delegation to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.
While congratulating the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, on his appointment, Fall said the global community is keen to learn from Nigeria, given its large population and evolving electoral system.
“Your success will be our success. Democracy in Nigeria has evolved over the past 27 years and has become central to the country’s history and future direction,” he said.
He added that, considering what is at stake, the UN family of 26 agencies stands ready to deploy its global expertise and best practices in support of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Fall, a former UNICEF representative in Nigeria, emphasized that elections go beyond logistics and are an essential component of national development. He reiterated the UN’s “Leave No One Behind” principle, stressing the importance of including young people, women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the democratic process.
He noted that the UN has consistently supported youth participation, women’s inclusion and accessibility for PWDs, in line with its guiding principle of inclusivity.
Also speaking, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Ms. Elsie Attafuah, said the organisation looks forward to sustaining its collaboration with INEC, especially at critical moments.
She highlighted the longstanding partnership between the UN and INEC, which dates back to 1999, noting that the UN has contributed significantly to advancements in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly in the introduction and expansion of technology.