UK: WE'LL SUPPORT NIGERIA TO DELIVER CREDIBLE ELECTIONS IN 2023

Catriona Laing, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, says the United Kingdom will support the country in delivering credible elections in 2023.

Laing said this on Sunday during an interview in Abuja.

She said the UK is positive that Nigeria will deliver free and fair polls in 2023 as soon as the amended electoral act is enforced.

Laing added that the UK government would monitor the election, just as he has supported the electoral process through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

What I have just said now – the advocacy – is showing Nigerians that we care about their democracy, and we are watching it,” she said.

“In a practical way, for many elections, we have been supporting INEC – your electoral body – to ensure it has got the necessary systems and processes in place. And in each election, we have seen INEC improve its processes.

“We were the partner who supported the passing of the electoral act. It was a project that we funded through legal advisors to help you actually write that electoral act and look at best practices globally.

And it has been instrumental. So, with the passing of that, then the possibility for electronic transmission of votes, the young people feel much more confident that their votes will count.

“So we provided that support, we support civil society, YIAGA’s Not Too Young To Run Campaign, alongside U.S partners, we support that and we have been supporting women groups, in particular, to encourage young women, more women to try and stand for political offices.

“We are supporting voter education, encouraging voters to understand the importance of going out to vote. So we are involved in a number of different ways.