The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs. Gill Lever, has said the United Kingdom will not interfere in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and has no preferred political party, stressing that its position is strictly one of neutrality.
She made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, where she emphasized that the UK’s priority is ensuring elections that are free, peaceful, and credible.
“Downing Street has no favourite political party and will not be seen interfering in local political matters,” Lever said, adding that the British government remains entirely neutral and does not support or instruct voters on political choices.
She further noted that peaceful elections are not only important for democracy but also have significant economic implications, reinforcing the need for stability during electoral processes.
During her three-day visit to Kwara State, Lever also commended Governor Abdulrazaq’s administration for its commitment to gender inclusion, highlighting that more than half of his cabinet is made up of women.
Her visit included an assessment of UK-supported projects such as the Ilorin Innovation Hub and a digital community hub in Ifelodun, initiatives designed to equip over 50,000 people with digital skills and improve access to technology-driven employment opportunities.
In his response, Governor Abdulrazaq outlined key achievements of his administration since 2019, including reforms in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development across the state.
He also announced plans to increase the state’s minimum wage to ₦100,000 within the year and disclosed that by 2027, Kwara State is expected to have five teaching hospitals aimed at addressing shortages in healthcare manpower.
The governor further highlighted agricultural developments, including the establishment of a major Shea processing factory in Kaiama as part of efforts to boost the state’s economy.
