By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

Civil society organisations under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme are set to establish a Joint Election Observation Hub ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election.

The initiative brings together Yiaga Africa, the International Press Centre (IPC), the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF) to coordinate independent, citizen-centred election observation and provide real-time, evidence-based information during the poll.

The hub will serve as a central platform for receiving, verifying and analysing reports from accredited observers deployed across polling units in all local government areas of Ekiti State.

According to the organisers, the partners will monitor key aspects of the election, including the opening of polls, voter accreditation, voting, counting, collation of results, participation of women, youths and persons with disabilities, media coverage, electoral integrity, and compliance with electoral guidelines.

Verified reports from the field will be analysed in real time and shared through periodic public updates aimed at promoting transparency, countering misinformation, strengthening public confidence and encouraging peaceful participation before, during and after the election.

The Ekiti model builds on a similar initiative deployed during the Anambra governorship by-election, where EU-SDGN partners piloted a coordinated observation platform described as effective in enhancing civil society collaboration and electoral accountability.

The organisations said the approach has evolved into a locally driven mechanism anchored on the expertise and collective commitment of Nigerian civil society groups working to strengthen democratic governance.

They noted that the Joint Election Observation Hub demonstrates the value of collaboration in safeguarding electoral integrity.

“The Joint Election Observation Hub reflects the strength of Nigerian civil society working together in the public interest,” the partners said.

“By bringing together our expertise, nationwide networks and observation efforts, we are able to provide timely, credible and evidence-based information that strengthens transparency, supports peaceful participation and reinforces public confidence in the electoral process.”

They also urged all stakeholders to play their roles in protecting the integrity of the electoral process and encouraged citizens to participate peacefully, reject violence and resist misinformation.

Speaking on behalf of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Governance Adviser Laolu Olawumi reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting democratic governance in Nigeria.

He said the initiative reflects the EU’s long-term support for locally driven democratic reforms and institutions.

“The European Union is proud to support initiatives that place Nigerian organisations at the forefront of strengthening democracy,” Olawumi said.

“The Joint Election Observation Hub is significant because it is locally led, locally driven and built on the collective expertise of trusted Nigerian civil society organisations.”

He added that the EU-SDGN programme continues to support electoral integrity, civic engagement, inclusive participation, media responsibility and accountability to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.