…Reaffirms UK’s support for democratic processes in Nigeria
The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has visited Awka, Anambra State Capital, on two days engagement with key stakeholders ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election scheduled for 8 November 2025.
The High Commissioner who met with Governor Charles Soludo, other gubernatorial candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, the state Commissioner of Police and civil society representatives, said, the reason for the meetings included technical and logistical preparations to support 5,720 polling units across the state, the security situation across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, factors likely to affect voter turnout, and arrangements for observing the electoral process and polling day activities.
This visit he added, underscored the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic processes and highlighted the importance of peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections.
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The High Commissioner emphasised that the UK does not endorse any candidate or political party but remains focused on supporting the electoral process itself.
According to him, “the UK supports Nigeria in conducting democratic contests in accordance with Nigerian law and the constitution.
“Our focus is solely on the electoral process itself – that it should be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and enjoy the confidence of the Anambra people. We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party.
“I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and to engage peacefully in the election”.
The visit comes as part of the UK’s broader engagement with Nigerian democratic institutions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
He therefore, reinforced that violence has no place in the democratic process and that peaceful conduct benefits all stakeholders.
The UK remains committed to its partnership with Nigeria in supporting good governance, democratic institutions, and peaceful electoral processes across all levels of government.
