The United Kingdom Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell says the country is following the run-up to Presidential, National Assembly and Gubernatorial elections very closely because of the importance of Nigeria to the UK.
In a statement ahead of this Saturday’s general election, Andrew Mitchell says over the last two months, he had met four of the top presidential candidates, the Chairman of INEC and emphasised support for a seamless exercise.
The statement explains that the UK Government will continue to work closely with INEC and Nigerian civil society partners to provide advisory support on electoral and legal reforms, assist in strengthening democratic institutions, and advocate for the importance of civil society engagement in electoral and democratic processes to help deliver credible elections.
It maintains that it is vital for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation that the electoral process is free, fair, and credible.
The statement encourages all actors in Nigeria to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and prevent violence in the periods before, during and after the elections.
It says where the UK is aware of attempts to subvert democratic processes at the National or State level, it is prepared to take action against those who engage in or incite electoral violence and other anti-democratic behaviours.
Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi
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