2027: British Govt Has No Preferred Candidate, Says Envoy

The British government has said it has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, stated this during a courtesy visit to AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Government House in Ilorin, Kwara State.

Lever, who was on a three-day official visit to Kwara, stressed that the United Kingdom would not interfere in Nigeria’s electoral process but would support efforts toward free, peaceful and credible elections.

“The British Government would support a free, peaceful, and credible election in Nigeria next year,” she said.

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

She added that the UK remains committed to democratic values and inclusive participation.

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

The envoy further emphasised that the British government would never dictate to Nigerians how to vote.

“The British government, as you’ll understand, Excellency, is 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.

Lever noted that peaceful and credible elections are not only important for democracy but are also critical to economic stability and investor confidence.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted achievements of his administration across education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure since assuming office in 2019.

According to him, his administration inherited major challenges, including unpaid salaries, pension backlogs and poor educational infrastructure.

“We have made significant progress in different sectors of the economy: from health, education, agriculture, and road infrastructure,” the governor said.

AbdulRazaq disclosed that the state government is considering increasing the minimum wage in the state to ₦100,000 later this year.

He also stated that investments in education and healthcare had expanded access to public services, adding that Kwara State would have five teaching hospitals before the end of his administration in 2027.

On agriculture, the governor said the state had established a shea processing factory in Kaiama, which he described as one of the largest in Nigeria when completed.

He also spoke on ongoing security efforts being carried out in collaboration with stakeholders to improve safety across rural communities in the state.