The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s democratic development, promising continued support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit to INEC headquarters in Abuja.
He visited the commission alongside Governance Adviser, Dr. Matthew Ayibakuro, and Political Counsellor, Greta Morris.
UK reaffirms commitment to Nigeria’s democracy
Montgomery said the United Kingdom remains deeply interested in Nigeria’s democratic process and intends to strengthen its partnership with INEC.
According to him, the visit provided an opportunity to understand the commission’s preparations for upcoming elections.
Those preparations include the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
“We have a very strong interest and investment in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The envoy said the UK views its interest in Nigeria’s elections as both moral support and practical assistance.
“I hope you will take our interest in your democratic process as a sign of support, both moral and, in a small way, some practical support that we have been discussing with you in the run-up to 2027.”
He also noted that discussions on the 2027 elections featured prominently during the recent National Assembly Open Week.
Furthermore, he described Nigeria as a strategic partner under the existing bilateral agreement covering security, defence, migration, justice and governance.
INEC outlines preparations
Responding, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan described the United Kingdom as one of Nigeria’s most dependable partners in democratic development.
He said the relationship has grown beyond election observation into broader institutional cooperation.
“The United Kingdom has been a steadfast and highly valued partner in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
According to Amupitan, preparations for the 2027 elections began immediately after the conclusion of the 2023 general elections.
He explained that INEC carried out extensive post-election reviews involving political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies, election observers and development partners.
Commission identifies emerging threats
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman identified misinformation, disinformation and the growing use of artificial intelligence as emerging threats to credible elections.
He disclosed that the commission is reviewing its cybersecurity architecture ahead of the 2027 polls.
In addition, INEC is considering independent security audits and penetration testing to strengthen its electoral systems.
Amupitan also revealed that the commission has commenced voter registration and introduced online self-service registration platforms.
He added that INEC continues to improve the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
According to him, election security, voter inclusion, civic engagement and technology deployment remain major priorities ahead of the polls.
Areas of future cooperation
The INEC chairman said the commission is working closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He explained that the collaboration aims to protect electoral personnel, infrastructure and voters during elections.
“Our objective remains to deliver elections that are credible, transparent, inclusive and reflective of the sovereign will of the Nigerian people.”
Amupitan thanked the United Kingdom for its continued support and identified election technology, cybersecurity, voter education, conflict prevention, women’s participation, disability inclusion and institutional capacity building as priority areas for deeper cooperation before the 2027 elections.
Read also: 2027: US Congressman Says America Will Closely Monitor Nigeria’s Election
