UK to Observe Ekiti, Osun Polls, APC Pledges Peaceful Elections

The British Government has announced plans to deploy election observers for the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States, as part of efforts to ensure credible and peaceful polls in Nigeria.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

Montgomery said the United Kingdom would closely monitor the elections, describing them as the final off-cycle governorship polls ahead of the 2027 general elections, while stressing the importance of peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral processes.

He noted that the UK would send observer delegations to both states, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democratic stability remains of global significance due to its population size and influence in Africa.

According to him, the United Kingdom maintains strong economic, financial, and security interests in Nigeria and is committed to supporting democratic institutions while respecting the country’s sovereignty.

In his remarks, APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda assured that the party would prioritise peace and stability before, during, and after the elections in both Ekiti and Osun States.

He said the APC remains committed to issue-based politics and would avoid any actions capable of destabilising the electoral process or any part of the country.

Yilwatda also highlighted the party’s internal democratic process, noting that thousands of members participated in recent primaries with minimal disputes recorded.

He further pointed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing economic reforms, saying the administration is focused on strengthening the economy and delivering critical infrastructure across the country.

The APC chairman urged continued collaboration with international partners to support Nigeria’s democratic development and electoral credibility.

The British envoy reiterated that Nigeria remains central to stability in Africa, stressing that credible elections in the country are important to regional and global interests.

The meeting underscored growing international attention ahead of the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, with both sides emphasizing peace, transparency, and democratic consolidation.