The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, on Thursday, demanded that the Anambra governorship election be conducted in accordance with Nigerian law and the constitution.

He disclosed this after concluding a two-day visit to Awka, Anambra State, where he engaged with key stakeholders ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election scheduled for 8 November 2025.

The High Commissioner met with Governor Charles Soludo, other gubernatorial candidates, the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, the state Commissioner of Police and civil society representatives.

The High Commissioner emphasized that the UK does not endorse any candidate or political party but remains focused on supporting the electoral process itself.

Key themes discussed during the meetings included technical and logistical preparations to support 5,720 polling units across the state, the security situation across the 21 local government areas of Anambra State, factors likely to affect voter turnout, and arrangements for observing the electoral process and polling day activities.

“Our focus is solely on the electoral process itself – that it should be transparent, peaceful, inclusive and enjoy the confidence of the Anambra people. We do not endorse any particular candidate or political party.

“I encourage all eligible voters to exercise their democratic rights and to engage peacefully in the election,” he said.

The visit comes as part of the UK’s broader engagement with Nigerian democratic institutions in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)