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The British government has said it has no preferred candidate in Nigeria’s 2027 general election, reiterating its commitment to neutrality and support for a credible democratic process.
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, made this known during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at Government House, Ilorin.
Lever stressed that the UK will not interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process, stressing that its primary interest lies in ensuring that elections are peaceful, inclusive and credible.
“The British government is completely neutral. We do not favor any political party or candidate and would never engage in telling Nigerians how to vote,” he said.
He added that, beyond democratic ideals, credible elections are also critical for economic stability and investor confidence, describing them as both a democratic and economic imperative.
“We want to see peaceful, inclusive and credible elections, with full respect for institutions and space for participation,” Lever said.
The envoy, who was on a three-day official visit to Kwara State, reiterated that the United Kingdom will continue to support democratic values in Nigeria in line with the shared principles of the Commonwealth.
In his response, AbdulRazaq highlighted the achievements of his administration since he took office in 2019, saying that the state has recorded significant progress in all key sectors.
He said his government had eliminated back wages, pensions and tips, while improving worker welfare and restoring confidence in the education system.
According to him, the administration has fulfilled its obligations to the Universal Basic Education Commission, expanded access to education and improved infrastructure in schools.
The governor added that investments in healthcare have improved service delivery, with plans underway to establish five teaching hospitals across the state before his term ends in 2027.
AbdulRazaq also revealed that the state government is considering increasing the minimum wage to 100,000 naira, underscoring ongoing efforts to promote agriculture and rural security.
He noted that a shea butter processing factory under construction in Kaiama when completed will become one of the largest in Nigeria, positioning the state as a key player in agro-industrial development.
The meeting was part of broader commitments by the British envoy to strengthen bilateral relations and support governance and development initiatives in Nigeria.
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