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Nigeria: Democracy and Elections

Asked by Mr Alistair CarmichaelLiberal DemocratForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 16 March 2026UIN 118699

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she will raise with President Tinubu of Nigeria the safeguarding of democratic institutions and ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria in 2027 during the his forthcoming state visit.

Answered by Chris Elmore

The State Visit will provide an important opportunity to strengthen the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership across growth, security, migration, and foreign policy. As the largest democracy in Africa, Nigeria has an important role to play in upholding democratic norms, including ensuring a free, fair and credible Presidential election in 2027. The UK is supporting key legislative and institutional reform processes in the Nigerian National Assembly, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Judiciary and other key institutions to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.

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