EU Lauds Jonathan, Denies Helping Buhari Win 2015 Election

The European Union has denied influencing President Muhammadu Buhari’s victory over Goodluck Jonathan during the 2015 presidential election.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday, EU’s former chief observer for the 2015 EU Election Observation Mission (EU EOM), Santiago Fisas, said all the body was interested in was to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.

Fisas said, “The international community is not in favour of any candidate above others.’’

Commending Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Fisas said the former president eschewed violence by conceding defeat to his contender.

“The election was done in a proper way and I praise former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat.

“I think it has proved that he is a man of the state, that he put the interest of Nigeria before his own interest.

“That is an example in Nigeria and for many countries in Africa to follow, he accepted that he lost election to another party.

“We know to run for election in Nigeria is quite expensive. We also know that campaign is costly so I believe that political parties should help women in campaigning.

“It is very important to promote the participation of women in politics from the local election.

“Security is important and the people must be free to go to vote.

“It is important that Nigeria merge the accreditation and voting on the same moment, this is important for the comfort of the people,’’ he said.