ABUJA – The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has cautioned the European Union (EU) and other foreign interests against meddling in Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly its electoral system, judiciary, and legislature.
The group’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, issued the warning in an interview with LEADERSHIP, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic evolution must remain a sovereign and domestically driven process, free from external dictates or influence.
Hamzat criticised recent remarks by representatives of the EU Mission calling for electoral and judicial reforms in Nigeria, describing such statements as “unwarranted interference in the country’s internal affairs.”
“While international partners are free to share experiences and provide support when invited, dictating reforms for Nigeria’s electoral, judicial, or legislative systems is unacceptable. Democracy without sovereignty is a façade,” he said.
According to Hamzat, the increasing involvement of foreign missions and development partners in Nigeria’s political and governance space has gone beyond advisory roles. He alleged that some now employ policy advocacy, legislative lobbying, and judicial influence to steer outcomes that serve their own geopolitical and economic interests.
“Foreign nations are no longer satisfied with offering technical support; they now actively seek to shape our internal affairs to suit their own interests,” Hamzat stated. “This persistent interference is a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.”
He noted that while international collaboration remains vital in strengthening democratic governance, the core direction of Nigeria’s reforms must emanate from Nigerians themselves, reflecting the nation’s distinct political, social, and cultural context.
Hamzat urged Nigerian leaders to resist external pressure and protect the independence of the country’s democratic institutions, warning that undue foreign influence could weaken national confidence and distort policy priorities.
“Genuine reforms in Nigeria must be homegrown,” he said. “We must stop allowing external actors to define our democracy for us. Sovereignty is not negotiable, and no country can afford to outsource its democracy to foreign powers.”
He also called on civil society organisations, youth groups, and the media to remain vigilant against what he termed “subtle manipulations” disguised as partnership or assistance. According to him, unchecked foreign interference could undermine Nigeria’s political stability and long-term peace.
“The excessive obsession of foreign powers with Nigeria’s governance and electoral processes, if left unchallenged, could erode our national dignity and independence,” he warned.
Hamzat reaffirmed PeacePro’s commitment to promoting peaceful political dialogue and institutional integrity in Nigeria, adding that safeguarding the country’s sovereignty is fundamental to sustainable democracy.
He urged development partners, including the EU, to respect Nigeria’s autonomy and focus on mutually beneficial cooperation rather than prescriptive interventions.
“Nigeria appreciates support and friendship,” he concluded, “but friendship must not translate into control. What our democracy needs is partnership not patronage.”
The statement from PeacePro comes amid renewed debate over foreign influence in Nigeria’s domestic governance, especially after several Western missions recently issued reports and recommendations on electoral and judicial reforms following the 2023 general elections.
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