The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has issued a strong admonition to the European Union (EU) and other foreign interests, cautioning them against undue interference in Nigeria’s fundamental democratic institutions. This warning specifically targets the country’s electoral system, judiciary, and legislature, which are crucial pillars of its governance structure.

In an interview with LEADERSHIP, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the executive director of PeacePro, articulated the organization’s stance, asserting that Nigeria must be allowed to chart its own democratic course without external dictation. He specifically highlighted recent calls by the EU Mission for electoral and judicial reforms as a form of meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs, which he deemed unacceptable.

Hamzat differentiated between constructive engagement and intrusive intervention, stating, “While international partners are free to share experiences and provide support when invited, dictating reforms for Nigeria’s electoral, judicial or legislative systems is unacceptable. Democracy without sovereignty is a façade.” This statement underscores PeacePro’s belief that true democracy thrives only when a nation maintains full control over its internal processes.

Expressing deep concern, Hamzat noted a growing trend where foreign interests are increasingly overstepping their traditional boundaries. He accused them of employing various tools, such as policy advocacy, legislative lobbying, and judicial influence, to ‘teleguide’ Nigeria’s internal political and governance processes. This development, he insisted, is not merely worrisome but fundamentally undermines Nigeria’s dignity and hard-won independence.

The executive director further elaborated on the gravity of the situation, stating, “Foreign nations are no longer satisfied with offering technical support; they now actively seek to shape our internal affairs to suit their own interests. This persistent interference is a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty and national security.” This highlights the perception that foreign engagement has shifted from assistance to active manipulation.

Hamzat vehemently stressed that any authentic reforms within Nigeria must originate from within the country itself, driven by its unique political, social, and cultural realities. He urged Nigerian leaders to remain steadfast in resisting external manipulation and to diligently protect the independence and integrity of the nation’s institutions from being compromised by foreign agendas.

Furthermore, he called upon civil society organizations and Nigerian citizens to maintain constant vigilance against such external pressures. Hamzat issued a stark warning that the “excessive obsession” of foreign powers with Nigeria’s democratic and governance processes, if left unchecked, poses a significant risk to the nation’s long-term stability. He concluded with a powerful declaration: “As a nation, we must jealously guard our internal affairs. Sovereignty is not negotiable, and no country can afford to outsource its democracy to foreign powers.”