The United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy election observers to the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, in a move aimed at strengthening transparency, credibility, and peaceful participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The British Government said the decision forms part of its broader commitment to supporting democratic consolidation in Nigeria, noting that it would closely monitor the electoral process to ensure it meets internationally accepted standards of fairness and accountability.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, described the upcoming polls as a critical phase in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, being the final off-cycle governorship elections before the 2027 general elections.
He stressed that the contests present a vital opportunity to reinforce public trust in the country’s democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Montgomery explained that the UK would deploy observer delegations to the two states to assess preparations, monitor voting procedures, and engage key stakeholders throughout the electoral cycle.
He said the engagement would focus on encouraging peaceful conduct, credible administration, and strict adherence to democratic principles.
He, however, reaffirmed that the United Kingdom’s involvement remains strictly supportive and respectful of Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing that its role is not to interfere but to observe and contribute to strengthening democratic governance.
“Nigeria is by far the largest country in Africa and what happens here matters greatly. We have significant economic, financial and security investments in Nigeria, and therefore Nigeria’s stability and democratic success are important to us,” Montgomery said.
He noted that credible and peaceful elections in Ekiti and Osun would not only strengthen Nigeria’s domestic democratic institutions but also reinforce stability across West Africa and the wider African region, given Nigeria’s influence on continental affairs.
In his remarks, APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, assured that the party remains fully committed to ensuring peaceful, transparent, and credible elections in both states.
He said the APC has placed strong emphasis on issue-based politics and national cohesion, warning against any actions that could undermine peace or destabilize the electoral process.
“We are discussing issues, not sentiments. We are very conscious of the need to avoid actions that could destabilize any part of the country. Our focus is to ensure that both states remain peaceful and stable,” he said.
Yilwatda also called on international partners to continue supporting Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly in strengthening institutions and electoral reforms. He highlighted the APC’s internal democratic processes, noting that recent party primaries recorded high participation and minimal disputes, which he described as a sign of growing internal stability and maturity within the party.
He emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration remains committed to economic transformation, infrastructure development, and long-term national growth, all of which he said are central to strengthening democratic stability in the country.