UK has no preferred candidate ahead of 2027 elections — British Envoy

The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Gill Lever, has said the United Kingdom will not interfere in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and has no preferred political party ahead of the polls.

Lever stated this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, at the Government House in Ilorin.

The envoy, who is on a three-day official visit to Kwara State, said the British government is only interested in supporting peaceful, inclusive and credible elections in Nigeria.

“Downing Street has no favourite political party and will not be seen interfering in local political matters,” she said.

“We all want to see elections that are peaceful, that are inclusive, that are credible, with space for participation, with respect for institutions.

“The British government, as you’ll understand, Excellency, are entirely neutral. We do not favour one party or another, and we would never be in the business of telling Nigerian people how to vote.”

She added that credible elections are not only democratic ideals but also important for economic growth and stability.

Lever also commended Governor Abdulrazaq for promoting women’s inclusion in governance, noting that over 50 per cent of cabinet appointments in Kwara were given to women.

“You’re a strong advocate for women’s representation in governance and I think Kwara, under your leadership, has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and women’s participation in the political life of your state,” she said.

The envoy further disclosed that the UK government is supporting digital innovation and youth empowerment projects across Nigeria, including the Ilorin Innovation Hub and a recently launched community tech hub in Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Responding, Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted achievements of his administration since 2019 in education, healthcare, agriculture, road infrastructure and workers’ welfare.

He said his government cleared salary and pension backlogs inherited from previous administrations and improved investment in basic education through payment of counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission.

“We have expanded access to education, healthcare and we are making prompt payment of salaries as well as improving the welfare of the workforce,” the governor said.

Abdulrazaq also disclosed plans to raise the state minimum wage to N100,000 and revealed that Kwara would have five teaching hospitals before the end of his tenure in 2027.

He added that ongoing agricultural and security interventions are helping to boost rural development and improve livelihoods across the state.

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