The PEAM Delegation is in Nigeria as part of the IRI’s deployment of its International Election Observation Mission (IEOM) for the 2027 General Elections; to engage government actors, civil society experts and political party leaders on preparations towards the 2027 General Elections.
The Delegation’s Visit to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, provided critical insights into the Team’s Mandate in the areas of electoral environment, security risks, operational challenges, and institutional preparedness of the electoral commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders.
The PEAM’s high-powered delegation is led by Jendayi Frazier - Head of The Bureau of African Affairs & Former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs under the President Bush’s Administration as well as a former Ambassador of US to the Republic of South Africa. Other members of her delegation to the PDP/entourage included:
1. Jenai Cox - African Regional Director for IRI
2. Sophia Moestrup - Deputy Director, West and Central Africa for National Democratic Institute (NDI)
3. Sentell Barnes - West Africa Regional Program Director for IRI
4. Sunday Alao - IRI Senior Governance Advisor
5. Austin Akers - IRI & Long Term Election Analyst
6. Leandre Banon - IRI Long Term Election Analyst
The National Working Committee (NWC) led by the National Chairman, Hon Abdulrahman Mohammed met with the Delegation in the NWC Hall.
Other members of the NWC present are: Deputy National Chairman (North) - Yusufu Nya Akirikwen, SAN; National Organizing Secretary (NOS) - Hon Capt. Umar Bature; National Legal Adviser (NLA) - Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN; National Woman Leader (NWL) - Professor Adenike Ogunshe, mni; National Youth Leader ( NYL) - Amb Bala Aboki; amongst others and alongside five Deputy National Officers.
The Meeting mainly focused on campaign strategy & plans of the Party on current situations and challenges ahead, percentage of women participation and possible support for their candidature, security challenges that may impact the Elections and efforts being made with relevant agencies or proposal for future engagement, impact of certain provisions of the New Electoral Act that may be posing challenges on the electoral process, etc.
The NWC informed the Delegation of the Party’s readiness to strategically engage the grassroots in the prosecution of its campaigns but yet to start in compliance with the INEC Timetable on campaign flag-offs at all levels of the 2027 Elections.
To buttress, the National Chairman stated, “The Party is well prepared for the 2027 Elections. We have Candidates nationwide at all stages of the Elections, ranging from the Presidential, National Assemblies, States Governorship and State Assemblies.
In conclusion, the NWC appreciated the Team for its timely visit to Nigeria and by extension, to the PDP ahead of the 2027 Elections, and hope that its preliminary election assessment outcomes will provide needed insight to the IRI on how it can assist the Nigerian electoral environment in the Forthcoming General Elections for more improvement where necessary.
