British Envoy Gill Lever has stated that the British government has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stressing that the United Kingdom would remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
The British envoy made the remarks during a courtesy visit to AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Government House in Ilorin. She explained that the UK’s interest was centred on ensuring that Nigeria conducts peaceful, credible and inclusive elections that reflect democratic values.
According to her, the British government would not interfere in Nigeria’s internal political affairs or attempt to influence voters.
Lever said the UK was committed to supporting democratic principles and wanted to see an electoral process that guarantees participation, stability and respect for democratic institutions.
She noted that free and transparent elections were not only important for democracy and Commonwealth values but were also necessary for economic growth and national stability.
During her visit, the envoy also met with Okufolake AbdulRazaq, where she praised the Kwara State government for promoting women’s inclusion in governance and public life.
Lever described Kwara under Governor AbdulRazaq as a leading example in advancing gender equality, adding that the administration had demonstrated strong commitment toward increasing women’s participation in politics and leadership.
She further disclosed that the British government was collaborating with several Nigerian states to support digital innovation, improve technology skills and develop young talents within the tech sector.
Responding, Governor AbdulRazaq said his administration had transformed several sectors in the state since assuming office in 2019.
He stated that notable improvements had been recorded in healthcare, education, agriculture and road infrastructure, adding that the government inherited challenges such as unpaid salaries, pension backlogs and poor educational facilities.
The governor explained that many schools previously lacked basic sanitation facilities and teachers were owed salary arrears before his administration intervened.
According to him, the government has now restored regular salary payments, improved workers’ welfare and expanded investment in education through counterpart funding to the Universal Basic Education Commission.
AbdulRazaq also revealed plans to increase the state minimum wage to ₦100,000 later in the year.
He added that the administration had expanded access to tertiary education through additional campuses of Kwara State University in Kwara North and South.
On healthcare, the governor said the state aimed to establish five teaching hospitals before the end of his tenure in 2027 to address manpower shortages in the health sector.
Speaking on agriculture, he said the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu was encouraging farming activities nationwide, while Kwara State had also established a shea processing factory in Kaiama, which he described as one of the largest projects of its kind in Nigeria once operational.