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Friday, April 17, 2026

We are closely monitoring Nigeria’s preparations for 2027 presidential election: UK

“We will continue to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission…to support initiatives that strengthen a credible…electoral process,” said Mr Elmore.

• April 17, 2026
Tinubu with Starmer
Tinubu with Starmer

The British government says it is closely monitoring preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, reaffirming its commitment to supporting a credible, transparent and inclusive democratic process in the country. 

In a question for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, tabled on March 3, 2026, Fabian Hamilton, the Labour Member of Parliament for Leeds North East and the UK prime minister’s trade envoy to the Southern Cone – Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, stated, “To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what support she is providing to independent election monitoring of the 2027 Nigerian presidential election.”

A response, which was submitted to the UK parliament on March 10, highlighted Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s interest in Nigeria.

Chris Elmore, Labour MP for Bridgend and Porthcawl, presented the written answer in the UK Hansard.

“We are closely monitoring preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 presidential elections. Our High Commission in Abuja will, as in previous elections, deploy observation teams across the country, working alongside international partners and Nigerian civil society organisations.

“We will continue to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission and civil society partners to support initiatives that strengthen a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process,” said Mr Elmore.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the presidential and national parliamentary elections for January 16, 2027. 

The electoral body also announced that the governorship and state parliamentary elections will be held on February 6, 2027. 

Party primaries, including the resolution of disputes arising from primaries, are expected to commence on April 23 and end on May 30.

Presidential and National Assembly campaigns will commence on August 19, while governorship and state assembly campaigns will commence on September 9.

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