Ahead of the upcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State, the United Kingdom has announced plans to deploy election observer teams to monitor the polls, describing them as a key test of Nigeria’s democratic readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, in Abuja.
Montgomery said the UK was closely monitoring Nigeria’s electoral process and would send observer teams to both elections, noting that they are the last off-cycle governorship polls before the 2027 general election.
He said the polls would serve as an important indicator of Nigeria’s electoral readiness, stressing the need for peaceful and credible conduct.
“We will send delegations to observe the elections because these will be the final off-season governorship elections before the general elections next year. We want to see peaceful, credible and successful elections”, he said.
The envoy added that the UK places high importance on Nigeria’s democratic stability, given its population size, economic influence, and longstanding bilateral relations with Britain. He also reaffirmed the UK’s support for democratic institutions in Nigeria, saying the success of the country’s elections remains a shared interest of international partners.
Responding, Yilwatda assured that the APC would support efforts to ensure peaceful polls in both states, adding that the party remains committed to internal democracy and stability.
He said the party would focus on issue-based campaigns and avoid actions capable of disrupting peace before, during, and after the elections. The APC chairman further noted that Nigeria’s stability is vital to both regional and global security, calling for continued collaboration with international partners.
The Ekiti and Osun governorship elections are expected to draw strong domestic and international attention as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.
