Britain wants to watch Nigeria's next big elections closely. Richard Montgomery, the UK's top diplomat in Nigeria, made this clear on Thursday.
Montgomery visited the All Progressives Congress chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party's Abuja headquarters. He came with a specific message about the 2027 general elections.
London respects Nigeria's independence, he noted. But Britain has serious stakes in what happens here.
"We have significant economic, financial and security investments in Nigeria," Montgomery told his hosts. "Nigeria's stability and democratic success are important to us."
The envoy announced something concrete. UK observer teams will monitor the upcoming off-cycle governorship races in Ekiti and Osun.
"We will send delegations to observe the elections because these will be the final off-season governorship elections before the general elections next year," he explained. "We want to see peaceful, credible and successful elections."
Nigeria matters enormously to Britain, he stressed. It's Africa's biggest country and a crucial partner.
"What happens here matters greatly," Montgomery said. He underlined Britain's belief in Nigeria's democratic future.
"We are investing in Nigeria's democracy because we believe in its future," he noted. "We wish Nigeria well as events unfold."
Yilwatda responded with his own commitments. APC candidates will focus on issues, not personal attacks.
The party chairman promised that nominees would avoid fiery language. Such rhetoric could spark unnecessary political tensions, he said.
APC remains committed to peaceful campaigning. Yilwatda assured Montgomery the party takes responsibility seriously.
