UK Envoy: CSOs Critical to Ensuring Free, Fair and Accountable 2027 Polls

British Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has called upon Nigerian civil society organizations (CSOs) to bolster their oversight activities, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring the credibility and accountability of the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue and Photo Exhibition in Abuja, Montgomery stressed that significant confidence-building measures are necessary for citizens to trust election results.

Montgomery praised the contributions and sacrifices of CSOs over the past 27 years, acknowledging the risks they have taken. He underscored the importance of the upcoming 2027 elections and the need to maintain public confidence in the nation's leadership. "I’m here today to encourage your advocacy. I’m here to encourage your oversight, as to, and your ability to amplify citizens’ terms and voice and to help ensure that the future elections and particularly for the next general elections, the national, state elections on the 16th of January," he stated.

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So, I’m here today to encourage your advocacy. I’m here to encourage your oversight, as to, and your ability to amplify citizens’ terms and voice and to help ensure that the future elections and particularly for the next general elections, the national, state elections on the 16th of January.

The ambassador highlighted the key roles CSOs play in holding the electoral process accountable and making it inclusive. "We see you as very key to helping more Nigerian citizens find a voice to protecting human rights of many who are not lawyers and have a legal perspective," Montgomery added. He specifically urged for the meaningful participation of women, youth, people with special needs, and other marginalized groups, asserting that the inclusiveness of the process determines citizens' trust in electoral outcomes.

During the event, prominent CSO leaders shared their perspectives. Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), expressed concern that years of struggle for democratic rule might seem wasted, despite milestones like peaceful power transitions. He lamented recent attempts at "institution capture" that have allegedly eroded democracy, fostering tribalism and corruption. Mr. YZ Ya’u, Co-Convener of the Civil Society Coalition – Situation Room, recounted CSOs' efforts in ousting military rule, while Ms. Ene-Obi and Ms. Mma Odi shared harrowing experiences of the pro-democracy struggle, including arrests, detentions, and deaths.

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We see you as very key to helping more Nigerian citizens find a voice to protecting human rights of many who are not lawyers and have a legal perspective.