Democracy Day: UK envoy urges inclusive, peaceful 2027 elections

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery at Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue and Photo Exhibition. Credit: Solomon Odeniyi

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has called for credible, peaceful and inclusive elections in 2027, stressing that the integrity of the polls will be crucial to sustaining public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process. Montgomery made the call on Friday in Abuja during the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue and Photo Exhibition. The envoy said civil society organisations would play a central role in ensuring the credibility of the elections and strengthening democratic institutions ahead of the polls. He noted that while June 12 remains a powerful symbol of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, democracy requires continuous effort, citizen participation and institution-building. “June 12 remains such a powerful symbol of your struggle to shape your democratic future. It represents a milestone, but it’s also an enduring reminder that democracy is built through courage, resilience and persistence of individual people who choose to act and support the process,” he said. Montgomery described democracy as a continuous process rather than a single event, saying civil society had remained central to Nigeria’s democratic development. “We strongly believe that democracy, despite all its flaws, is the best system for enabling people to shape the decisions that affect their lives. For such a huge, complicated and diverse country as Nigeria, democracy is incredibly important for your stability and your prosperity going forward,” he stated. Speaking on the 2027 general elections, the envoy said the credibility of the polls would be vital for Nigeria’s continued progress and leadership role on the African continent. He said, “The credibility of the next elections will be vital for public confidence in the democratic process and for Nigeria’s continued progress, and indeed for its leadership across Africa and beyond. “Ensuring that they are credible, peaceful and inclusive will require the collective efforts of many, and civil society organisations will be absolutely central to this.” The British envoy also called for greater participation of women, youths, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups in the electoral process. “As the President said in his Democracy Day speech this morning, democracy fails when citizens doubt the process. We strongly believe that civil society organisations have key roles to play in holding