British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles, has urged the country to use the 2027 general elections to demonstrate how a strong democracy should function in a large and diverse nation.
Vowles made the call on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, where he discussed preparations for the forthcoming elections.
The envoy, who disclosed that he had spent eight weeks in Nigeria, said the country’s democratic process was important not only to its citizens but also to West Africa and the international community.
He described the 2027 elections as an opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate democratic leadership and showcase credible electoral practices to the world.
“The reason I suppose that we wanted a courtesy call is perhaps an obvious one, but just the recognition of how much Nigeria’s democracy matters to Nigeria, to 240 million Nigerians, to the region and to the world,” he said.
Vowles added that his visit was intended to familiarise himself with INEC’s operations and understand the commission’s preparations for the elections.
He said the forthcoming polls presented an important opportunity to show how democracy could operate effectively in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria.
INEC promises credible elections
Responding, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, assured the international community that the commission would conduct credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
Amupitan identified the restoration of public confidence, improved operational efficiency and protection of ballot integrity as the major priorities of his administration.
He acknowledged the United Kingdom’s longstanding support through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other development partners, while seeking stronger collaboration ahead of the elections.
The INEC chairman identified electoral cybersecurity, specialised training for commission personnel and measures against artificial intelligence-driven manipulation, disinformation and foreign information manipulation and interference as key areas requiring international cooperation.
“The integrity of Nigeria’s democracy matters not only to our citizens but to the peace, stability and economic growth of the entire West African sub-region and the African continent,” he said.
Amupitan assured the envoy that INEC remained committed to conducting elections that would meet international standards.
“We assure you and the international community that INEC remains resolutely independent, impartial and committed to delivering a 2027 general election that meets the highest global standards,” he added.
He also disclosed that the commission had launched an intensive Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection campaign across the country’s 774 local government areas, extending the exercise to ward level to ensure registered voters could participate.
On candidates’ nominations, Amupitan highlighted measures under Section 29 of the Electoral Act 2026, including the introduction of the INEC Candidates Nomination Portal (ICNP) to safeguard the process.
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