Elections: EU Replies Gov El-Rufai Over Death Threat To Foreign Officials

The European Union (EU) has reacted to Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s threat on Tuesday that foreign officials who interfere in Nigeria’s affairs in the upcoming general elections would return to their countries as corpses.

Governor El-Rufai had during a programme on the National Television Authority (NTA) said, “Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags,” the governor said.

The Governor said “We are trying to run our country as decently as possible.”

El-Rufai’s statement came after the United States, United Kingdom and the European Union urged the President Muhammadu Buhari government some weeks back to ensure the upcoming elections are free, fair and transparent.

They issued separate statements after President Buhari suspended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, less than three weeks to the elections.

Reacting however to Governor El-Rufai’s threat via its verified Twitter handle (@EUEOMNigeria2019), the EU said: “We are aware of the comments by the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show on #NigeriaDecides2019 on 5/2/19.

“The EU only deploys an election observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a country.

“EU election observation missions give commentary and analysis, and make recommendations about the electoral process.

“EU election observation missions are impartial, do not interfere in the electoral process, and operate according to a strict code of conduct.

“While the security of EU observers is of paramount importance, and will remain under constant review, EU observers will continue their work across the country in the run-up to – and beyond – the 16 February elections”