Commonwealth, AU, EU, ECOWAS hold secret meeting in Abuja over election shift

Ellen-Sirleaf-Johnson

International and local observers have met on Saturday inside the Plateau Ballroom of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, following the change of dates for elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Members of the Commonwealth Observer team, EU Observer team, AU Observer team, and ECOWAS Observer mission deliberated in the meeting which began at 11.00am and ended at noon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), observed as being part of the meeting, some leaders of local observer groups.

Shortly after the meeting, correspondents approached the Head, ECOWAS Election Observation Mission and former Liberia President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, on the purpose of the meeting. She said, “I cannot say anything now. We are still on talks. I will brief you later.”

A copy of the meeting’s agenda gotten by NAN was titled: “Meeting of Heads of International Election Observation Missions in Nigeria.”

The agenda read: “Opening remarks by H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Head of ECOWAS Election Observation Mission and H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn, Head of AU Election Observation Mission.

“Discussion on the issue of postponement of the elections and update on the current political situation.

“Discussion on the way forward; and Any Other Business (AOB).”