Uhuru Bags Second International Job Since Ruto's Appointment
The 90-member AUEOM will oversee the general elections Nigeria will hold on February 25, 2023.
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Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has been appointed by the African Union (AU) to lead its Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to Nigeria.
The 90-member AUEOM will oversee the general elections Nigeria will hold on February 25, 2023.
According to a statement from AU on Tuesday, February 14, the AUEOM will engage with various stakeholders as well as observe the polling process ahead of the election and will issue its preliminary statement in Abuja on February 27.
According to the African Union Commission (AUC), the 90 members of the short-term election observation are drawn from AU member states.
They include representatives of election management bodies and civil society organisations, independent experts, women and youth, as well as individuals from AU organs, notably, the Pan African Parliament and Permanent Representatives Committee.
The mission draws its mandate from various AU instruments and will be supported by experts from the AUC.
Its objectives include providing an accurate and impartial assessment of the electoral process, including the degree to which the conduct of the elections meets regional, continental and international standards for democratic elections.
It will also offer recommendations for the improvement of future elections based on the findings, and demonstrate the AU’s solidarity and support for the consolidation of democracy, peace, stability and development in Nigeria.
This is Uhuru's second international appointment since leaving office in August 2022. President William Ruto had appointed him to head peace talks in the East Africa Community (EAC) region.
The latest appointment will also throw Uhuru at the centre of a murky election season, given that he had just come from one during the August polls.
He flew out to Nigeria in October 2022 for a two-day review of the performance of its Cabinet. The former head of state was expected to share his experience with other dignitaries in the country as well as the behind-the-scenes leading up to his handing over power to President Ruto.
Nigeria's President Muhammadu Buhari had invited Uhuru to the West African country to assist in the successful transition of its government.
Nigerians will take to the polls on February 25, 2023, meaning Buhari is serving his last term in office. Among those poised to succeed him include Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta together with Nigerian government officials on October 17, 2022. /TWITTER.PAULINE NJOROGE
