The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, has stated that the United Kingdom maintains a strictly neutral stance regarding Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lever emphasized that Downing Street has no preferred candidate or political party.
Commitment to Democratic Integrity
During the meeting at the Government House in Ilorin, Lever underscored the UK’s commitment to supporting the democratic process rather than influencing its outcome.
"The British government is entirely neutral. We do not favour one party or another, and we would never be in the business of telling Nigerian people how to vote," Lever stated.
She further noted that ensuring free, peaceful, and credible elections is not only a matter of shared Commonwealth values but also an "economic imperative" for the stability of the region.
Kwara State as a Model for Gender Equity
The envoy lauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration for its progressive stance on social inclusion, specifically highlighting the state’s achievements in gender equity.
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Women in Governance: Lever described Kwara as a "trailblazer" for women’s rights and political participation under the current leadership.
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Digital Innovation: She revealed that the UK government is actively partnering with various Nigerian states to enhance digital literacy and nurture emerging talent within the tech industry.
Governor AbdulRazaq Highlights Developmental Milestones
In response, Governor AbdulRazaq detailed the transformation of Kwara State since he assumed office in 2019. He highlighted a shift from a period of systemic stagnation to one of active investment in infrastructure and human capital.
Key Achievements Reported by the Administration:
| Sector | Progress & Milestones |
| Education | Re-engaged with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC); modernized school facilities (WASH and security); expanded KWASU to two new campuses. |
| Healthcare | Significant expansion of access; projected completion of five teaching hospitals by 2027 to address medical manpower shortages. |
| Economy | Cleared backlogs of pensions and salary arrears; announced plans to increase the state minimum wage to ₦100,000 this year. |
| Agriculture | Established a Shea processing factory in Kaiama, set to become the second-largest facility of its kind in Nigeria. |
The Governor noted that these investments are designed to create a sustainable economic foundation for the state. He also credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its role in incentivizing large-scale farming and agro-processing across the federation.
The visit concluded with a meeting between the Deputy High Commissioner and the First Lady of Kwara State, Ambassador Olufolake AbdulRazaq, where they discussed continued collaboration on social welfare and youth empowerment initiatives.