The government of the United Kingdom says it has no interest in who becomes the next president of Nigeria during the 2023 general elections.
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Liang, stated this on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with the National Working Committee, NWC, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Abuja.
Mrs Liang noted that the Kingdom would work with any of the candidates who emerge, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and the president’s commitment to free and secure elections.
She said: “This is one meeting I am having with political parties, the presidential candidates, and the party chairmen. And today is for the APC chairman to pass on our message about the general election.
“We welcome Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and the president’s commitment to free and secure elections.
“We talked a little more detailed about the conditions necessary for that to happen. And the concern about insecurity.
“And the importance of the people coming out on that day and encouraging more people to register because they need to turn out and vote on the day of the election.
“That means no intimidation and a secured environment. And people feel they can vote for the candidate they want.
“The UK doesn’t have a preferred candidate. We are committed to free and fair elections, but we will work with whoever the presidential candidate that emerges from the election.
“UK and Nigeria have a very strong partnership, and we want Nigeria to succeed. And democracy is part of it”.
