UK will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 polls, says High Commissioner

The United Kingdom has said it will take more than a passing interest in Nigeria’s forthcoming general elections, noting that developments in the country remain of strategic importance to London.

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda.

Montgomery said while the UK fully respects Nigeria’s sovereignty, it will continue to closely follow the country’s democratic process due to its significant economic, financial and security investments.

He added that Nigeria’s stability and democratic success are of particular importance to the United Kingdom.

“We will send delegations to observe the elections… We want to see peaceful, credible and successful elections,” he said.

According to him, the UK will also deploy observer missions to the upcoming off-season governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, describing them as a precursor to the 2027 general elections.

“We will always approach Nigeria with respect. Nigeria is by far the largest country in Africa and what happens here matters greatly,” he said.

The envoy reaffirmed Britain’s support for Nigeria’s democratic institutions, stressing that the UK remains committed to strengthening electoral processes in the country.

Earlier, the APC National Chairman assured the visiting envoy that the ruling party would promote peaceful, issue-based campaigns ahead of the elections, both in the off-season polls and the general elections.

He said the party remains committed to avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could destabilise the political environment, adding that Nigeria’s stability remains critical not only to Africa but also to the global community.

“Nigeria is strategic not just to Africa but to the entire world. Any instability here will have far-reaching consequences,” he said.

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