Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The European Union (EU) has congratulated Nigeria on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day, describing democracy as a continuous process that thrives on citizen participation, strong institutions, peaceful dialogue, and inclusive governance.
In a Democracy Day message released on Thursday, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, said June 12 provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s democratic journey since the end of military rule and to recognize the efforts of citizens working to strengthen democratic governance.
“Democracy is not a single moment. It is a movement, free conversations leading to decisions, millions of voices demanding to be heard, and taken into account,” Mignot stated.
According to him, democracy remains “a daily duty” that flourishes through active citizen engagement, effective institutions, and the collective belief that national progress should benefit all citizens.
The EU envoy noted that Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve through public participation, dialogue, and the aspirations of its people, citing growing demands for accountability, increased civic engagement, and greater representation of women in leadership positions.
“Nigeria’s democracy continues to evolve, shaped by participation, strengthened through dialogue, and driven by the energy and aspirations of its people,” he said.
Despite existing challenges, Mignot observed that democratic governance in Nigeria continues to advance through resilience, reforms, and inclusion.
He reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic development through its EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.
According to the ambassador, the initiative supports democratic institutions, partnerships, and processes aimed at enhancing citizen participation, dialogue, and inclusive engagement.
The EU, he said, is also working with Nigeria’s electoral management body to strengthen broader participation in the electoral process, improve democratic engagement, and promote institutional learning.
“We are supporting Nigeria’s electoral umpire in areas that improve broader participation, democratic engagement, institutional learning, and the continued evolution of the electoral processes in Nigeria,” Mignot said.
He further highlighted the EU’s collaboration with the National Peace Committee and other stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation and national cohesion before, during, and after elections.
The ambassador noted that the Union is supporting legislative engagement, policy dialogue, and cooperation within Nigeria’s justice sector to strengthen accountability, democratic practices, and the rule of law.
Mignot emphasized the importance of inclusion, saying the EU continues to support programmes that expand opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities to participate in governance.
“Democracy is strongest when more voices are represented,” he stated.
The envoy also underscored the growing importance of credible information in the digital age, noting that the EU supports independent media organizations, civic information platforms, and fact-checking networks working to strengthen public discourse and combat misinformation.
According to him, evidence of Nigerians’ commitment to democracy can be seen across the country, from classrooms and newsrooms to town hall meetings and community engagements.
He added that through its Global Gateway Strategy, the EU remains committed to investing in partnerships that expand opportunities, strengthen participation, and build long-term resilience for future generations.
“Because democracy is never finished, it must never be taken for granted. It must be protected, strengthened, and renewed together,” Mignot said.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and reaffirming the EU’s support for the country’s democratic aspirations.
“Happy Democracy Day, Nigeria,” the ambassador said.
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