The British government has declared that it has no preferred candidate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing that its interest lies only in ensuring a peaceful, free, and credible electoral process.

British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Gill Lever, made this known during a courtesy visit to AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Government House in Ilorin.

According to the envoy, the United Kingdom would not interfere in Nigeria’s political affairs or attempt to influence voters’ choices.

She said the British government remained completely neutral and had no preferred political party or candidate for the 2027 elections.

Lever noted that the UK was only interested in seeing elections that are peaceful, inclusive, credible, and respectful of democratic institutions.

She added that credible elections are not just democratic ideals but also important for economic stability and development.

The envoy also commended the Kwara State government for promoting gender inclusion and women’s participation in governance, describing the state as a model for gender equity under AbdulRazaq’s leadership.

She further disclosed that the British government was partnering with several Nigerian states to support digital skills development and nurture young talents in the technology sector.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration had transformed several sectors in the state since assuming office in 2019.

The governor listed improvements in education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, and infrastructure, noting that his administration cleared salary and pension arrears inherited from previous governments.

He also revealed plans to increase the state’s minimum wage to ₦100,000 later this year.

AbdulRazaq added that Kwara State had expanded access to education and healthcare, including the establishment of additional teaching hospitals and new campuses for the Kwara State University.

On agriculture, he said the state had established a shea butter processing factory in Kaiama, which he described as one of the largest in the country once operational.