The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Gill Lever, has stated that the United Kingdom will not interfere in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections and does not support any political party ahead of the polls.

Lever made the clarification during a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, at the Government House in Ilorin on Tuesday.

The British envoy, who is on a three-day official visit to Kwara State, said the UK’s interest is limited to supporting peaceful, inclusive and credible elections.

“Downing Street has no favourite political party and will not be seen interfering in local political matters,” she said.

“We all want to see elections that are peaceful, that are inclusive, that are credible, with space for participation, with respect for institutions.”

She stressed that the British government would never dictate to Nigerians how to vote.

“The British government, as you’ll understand, Excellency, are 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 added.

According to her, credible elections are not only democratic necessities but also important for economic growth and stability.

She also commended Governor AbdulRazaq for promoting women’s inclusion in governance, describing Kwara as a leading example of gender representation in public service.

“You’re a strong advocate for women’s representation in governance and I think Kwara, under your leadership, has been a trailblazer for women’s rights and women’s participation in the political life of your state,” she said.

Lever noted that more than 50 per cent of cabinet positions in Kwara are occupied by women and praised the governor’s support for the special seats bill for women.

She further highlighted the UK government’s support for digital skills development and youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

According to her, the British government is partnering with innovation hubs and community projects to improve digital access and employment opportunities for young people.

“We’re visiting the Ilorin Innovation Hub today to see the progress of that particular set of UK assistance,” she said.

She also referenced the recent launch of a community digital hub in Ifelodun Local Government Area, expected to benefit over 50,000 residents.

Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration had made major progress since assuming office in 2019, particularly in education, healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure.

He said his government inherited unpaid salaries, pension backlogs and decaying public institutions but had since restored stability across sectors.

“When we came in 2019, things just weren’t working in the state,” the governor said.

He disclosed that the administration had improved basic education, expanded access to healthcare and cleared outstanding salary arrears.

AbdulRazaq also revealed plans to increase the state’s minimum wage to N100,000 later this year.

The governor added that ongoing investments in tertiary healthcare would result in Kwara having five teaching hospitals before the end of his tenure in 2027.

He further highlighted agricultural investments and security interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and protecting rural communities across the state.