The European Union (EU) should freeze its aid to Nigeria until it holds free and fair elections, the lawmakers of the countries said yesterday.

“EU aid to Nigeria should not be given to federal or state structures until new, credible elections have been held,” the assembly said in a non-binding resolution, putting pressure on the bloc’s 27 governments and the executive commission.

EU observers have said Nigeria’s elections last month for president, state governors and lawmakers were not credible and fell far short of basic international standards. The elections were won by the Peoples Democratic Party.

Nigeria received some 506 million euros ($680.4 million) in EU aid in 2002-2007 for projects including good governance, water supply and health.

“The European Commission is against cutting aid to Nigeria as it serves the Nigerian people rather than the government,” said Commission spokesman Adadeu Tardio.