British Envoy Visits Anambra State, Reaffirms UK Support for Democratic Processes

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has concluded a two-day visit to Awka, Anambra State, where he engaged key stakeholders ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for 8 November 2025 in the state.

A statement issued on Friday by the High Commission in Abuja, noted that the envoy met with Governor Charles Soludo, other governorship candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, the state Commissioner of Police and civil society representatives.

The visit underscored the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic processes and highlighted the importance of peaceful, transparent, inclusive and credible elections. The High Commissioner emphasised that the UK does not endorse any candidate or political party but remains focused on supporting the electoral process itself.

Key themes discussed during the meetings included technical and logistical preparations to support 5,720 polling units across the state, the security situation across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, factors likely to affect voter turnout, and arrangements for observing the electoral process and polling day activities.

At the end of the visit, the British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, said “The UK supports Nigeria in conducting democratic contests in accordance with Nigerian law and the constitution.

“Our focus is solely on the electoral process itself – that it should be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and enjoy the confidence of the Anambra people. We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party.

“I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and to engage peacefully in the election”.

The visit comes as part of the UK’s broader engagement with Nigerian democratic institutions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The High Commissioner reinforced that violence has no place in the democratic process and that peaceful conduct benefits all stakeholders.

“The UK remains committed to its partnership with Nigeria in supporting good governance, democratic institutions, and peaceful electoral processes across all levels of government,” the statement said.