UK supports transparent, peaceful, inclusive election in Anambra State- Montgomery

The British High Commissioner, Dr. Richard Montgomery, yesterday, reiterated that the Kingdom’s focus regarding the Anambra State Gubernatorial elections is solely on the electoral process, saying that the elections should be transparent, peaceful and inclusive.
Dr Montgomery spoke at the end of a two-day visit to Awka, Anambra State, where he engaged with key stakeholders ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election scheduled for 8 November 2025.
The High Commissioner who met with Governor Charles Soludo, other gubernatorial candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, the state Commissioner of Police and civil society representatives, maintained that “The UK supports Nigeria in conducting democratic contests in accordance with Nigerian law and the constitution.”
Speaking further he said, “Our focus is solely on the electoral process itself – that it should be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and enjoy the confidence of the Anambra people.”
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. “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”.
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.
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.