UK Declares Neutrality Ahead of Nigeria 2027 Elections, Says No Preferred Political Party

The United Kingdom (UK) has reaffirmed its neutrality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, declaring that it has no preferred political party and will not interfere in the country’s democratic process.

This position was made known on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the Government House in Ilorin.

PulseNets learnt that the British envoy stressed that the UK government’s priority remains the promotion of peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections across Nigeria, without taking sides in partisan politics.

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

According to Lever, the UK is more interested in strengthening democratic institutions and creating an enabling environment where Nigerians can freely participate in elections without intimidation or restrictions.

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

PulseNets reported that the British diplomat also reaffirmed the UK government’s long-standing commitment to democratic principles within the Commonwealth and globally, while maintaining that Nigerians alone must determine their political future.

She said, “The British government, as you’ll understand, Excellency, are 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.”

Lever further explained that peaceful and transparent elections are not only critical for democratic consolidation but are also directly tied to economic growth, investor confidence, and long-term development planning.

She explained, “But peaceful and credible elections, of course, are not only a democratic objective. This is not only about the Commonwealth values and the values of democracy that we’ve long shared, they’re also an economic objective or imperative as well.”

Beyond electoral matters, PulseNets learnt that the envoy commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration for advancing gender inclusion and women’s participation in governance in Kwara State.

She praised the governor’s appointments and policies promoting women in leadership positions, describing Kwara as a leading example in gender equity and political inclusion.

She said, “First of all, you’re a strong advocate for women’s representation in governance and I think Kwara, under your leadership, has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and women’s participation in the political life of your state.”

The British envoy noted that women currently occupy more than half of the cabinet positions in the state government, describing the development as a major contribution to inclusive governance and economic development.

“We know that you’ve appointed over 50% of your cabinet roles to women. So, women’s representation in political life and lawmaking is essential to Nigeria’s economic development,” she said.

PulseNets also gathered that Lever acknowledged Abdulrazaq’s support for legislative reforms aimed at increasing female representation in politics, noting that his advocacy earned him recognition as a “HeForShe” ambassador.

She said, “I think we all see that. So, I strongly commend you, Your Excellency. You are a model state for gender equity and your endorsement of the special seats bill for women has earned you ‘HeForShe’ ambassador.”

The envoy also highlighted ongoing UK-backed initiatives in Nigeria, especially programmes focused on digital innovation, youth empowerment, and technology development.

According to her, the UK delegation visited the Ilorin Innovation Hub to assess the progress of projects supported through British development assistance targeted at improving digital skills among young Nigerians.

“We’re visiting the Ilorin Innovation Hub today to see the progress of that particular set of UK assistance, see how it’s helped to develop skills and develop aspirations in the tech sector. This is allowing innovators to access global networks and opportunities,” she said.

Lever added that the UK’s digital access initiatives are designed to equip youths with employable tech skills while opening pathways to global employment opportunities.

“So, we’re very keen through our digital access programme to help improve digital skills, nurture talents, and further the aspirations of young men and women in tech and help them into employment opportunities,” she said.

She also referenced the recently inaugurated community digital hub in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area, which she said is expected to provide digital access and technology training to over 50,000 residents.

“You may also know that we launched, a couple of months ago, a community hub in Olayinka (Ifelodun local government), which we hope will benefit over 50,000 people in the local government with tech skills and digital access.”

Responding, Governor Abdulrazaq outlined major achievements recorded by his administration since assuming office in 2019, particularly across education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

The governor told PulseNets that his administration inherited severe economic and institutional challenges, including salary arrears, pension backlogs, and deteriorating public infrastructure.

“We have made significant progress in different sectors of the economy: from health, education, agriculture and road infrastructure. When we came in 2019, things just weren’t working in the state,” he said.

He listed several inherited issues affecting governance and public service delivery.

“From backlogs of pensions and gratuities to payment of half-salaries to blacklist of Kwara by Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC),” he said.

Abdulrazaq further stated that the education sector has witnessed major improvements through increased investments and reforms.

“When we came in, 99% of schools did not have WASH facilities and no fencing of schools; teachers were in fact owed months in salary arrears. Today, we are up-to-date in investment in basic education with payment of counterpart funds to UBEC,” he said.

The governor added that workers’ welfare has improved significantly, with salaries now being paid consistently and discussions ongoing to further increase the minimum wage in the state.

“We have expanded access to education, healthcare and we are making prompt payment of salaries as well as improving the welfare of the workforce,” he said.

“We have cleared backlog of salaries we met. In fact, we are planning to raise minimum wage again this year to N100,000.”

Speaking further, Abdulrazaq said his administration has expanded access to tertiary education and healthcare infrastructure across the state.

“We have expanded access to university education with the (completion of) two campuses of KWASU in Kwara North and South. Then, by the time we will be leaving office by 2027, Kwara will have five teaching hospitals to bridge shortage of manpower in the health sector,” he said.

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On agriculture and industrial development, the governor highlighted ongoing federal partnerships and agro-processing investments, including the establishment of a major Shea processing plant in Kaiama, which he said would rank among the largest in Nigeria upon completion.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture and protecting rural communities as part of broader economic and development strategies.