The European Union (EU) has deepened its partnership with Nigeria’s National Peace Committee (NPC) in a renewed effort to address electoral violence and strengthen democratic processes ahead of upcoming elections.
At the official launch of the Election Security Information (ESI) Hub in Abuja on Wednesday, the EU described the initiative as a shift from traditional advocacy to data-driven prevention of electoral crises.
This was disclosed by Mr. Ruben Aguilera, the Head of Governance, Gender, Human Rights and Migration at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, saying the hub would play a key role in tracking electoral offenses and identifying security threats in real time.
“We’re moving beyond moral authority and dialogue. This hub provides a practical, evidence-based tool to help prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable,” Aguilera said.
He also noted that despite Nigeria’s democratic gains, security threats persist in several areas, citing specific challenges in parts of Anambra State where armed groups reportedly disrupt electoral operations.
According to Aguilera, the EU’s goal is to support a Nigeria where democracy thrives without fear or violence, and where credible elections can take place across all regions.
Also speaking at the event, retired General Martin Luther Agwai, representing NPC Chairman General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), described the hub as a strategic platform designed to collect, analyse, and share security data to prevent election-related violence.
“This is more than a tech tool, it’s a coordinated response to persistent gaps in intelligence sharing and security planning during elections,” Agwai said.
Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Rev. Fr. Atta Barkindo, said the hub reflected a shift in the NPC’s approach, from relying on analysts to engaging with verified, real-time data.
“The vulnerabilities in our elections are well known. What’s new is that we now have the tools to track, verify, and act on threats before they escalate,” Barkindo said.
Representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Helen Ajayi, Director of Planning and Monitoring, praised the initiative, describing it as a valuable addition to Nigeria’s electoral infrastructure.
“Strengthening election security is essential to voter confidence. This platform gives us a stronger foundation to work from,” she said.
The ESI Hub, developed by The Kukah Centre, the NPC’s secretariat with support from the EU’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, is expected to enhance early warning systems and enable rapid responses from relevant stakeholders.
The ESI Hub is expected to become a central part of Nigeria’s election preparedness efforts as the country gears up for a new cycle of polls.
