Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has held talks with the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, on issues affecting Nigeria and the EU, with discussions focusing on preparations for the 2027 general elections and continued economic collaboration.
The meeting came as former Borno State Governor Ali Modu Sheriff accused the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, of promoting ideas capable of dividing the country.
At the same time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a two-day anti-corruption workshop for its staff to strengthen transparency and integrity ahead of the next general election.
In a post shared on his Facebook page, Atiku disclosed that he received Ambassador Mignot at his Abuja residence, where both sides discussed democratic governance, bilateral relations and economic development.
According to the former vice president, the engagement also examined ways to deepen cooperation between Nigeria and the European Union, particularly in promoting credible elections and supporting economic growth.
“I had the honour of hosting the Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Gautier Mignot, at my residence in Abuja,” Atiku wrote.
He added that the meeting featured productive discussions on matters of mutual interest, with particular attention given to the 2027 general elections.
Atiku also expressed appreciation for the European Union’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic institutions and efforts aimed at improving the country’s economy.
Meanwhile, Sheriff criticised Peter Obi during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television, following Obi’s call for President Bola Tinubu to resign over Nigeria’s worsening security and economic challenges.
The former governor alleged that Obi had not clearly distanced himself from separatist movements.
“Peter Obi, up to this moment, is pursuing the division of Nigeria because he believes in Biafra. He never condemned Biafra or the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He should clearly state whether he supports the division of Nigeria,” Sheriff said.
He maintained that anyone seeking Nigeria’s highest office must be committed to the country’s unity rather than sectional interests.
In a separate development, INEC, in partnership with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), commenced a two-day workshop titled “Corruption-Free Election: Integrity Matters (C-FEIM)” at its headquarters.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, described the training as timely, noting that preparations for the 2027 elections had already begun.
Represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu, Amupitan said the commission’s responsibility extends beyond conducting elections to promoting values that strengthen democratic governance.
He stressed that credible elections remain central to democracy, warning that any compromise in the electoral process could weaken public trust and undermine democratic institutions.
The INEC chairman commended the ICPC for organising the programme, explaining that it was designed to equip electoral officials with practical knowledge, expose them to best practices and improve their conduct during elections.
He also disclosed that the anti-graft agency provided resource persons for the workshop and encouraged participants to contribute actively through discussions and the sharing of experiences.
ICPC Chairman Dr. Musa Adamu (SAN), represented by the commission’s Director of Legal Services, Henry Emore, described corruption as one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s development.
He said the workshop reflected the commission’s commitment to supporting transparent and credible elections, adding that corruption within the electoral process often leads to supplementary elections, increased security concerns and a surge in election-related petitions and litigation, placing additional strain on democratic institutions.
