馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
UK envoy urges credible, peaceful, and inclusive 2027 elections in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has called for credible, peaceful, and inclusive elections in 2027, emphasizing their importance for public confidence in Nigeria's democratic process. Speaking at a June 12 Democracy Day Dialogue in Abuja, Montgomery highlighted the crucial role of civil society organizations in ensuring election credibility and strengthening democratic institutions. He noted that June 12 symbolizes Nigeria's democratic struggle, requiring continuous effort, citizen participation, and institution-building. Montgomery described democracy as an ongoing process vital for Nigeria's stability and prosperity, and for its leadership role in Africa. He stressed that the credibility of the upcoming elections is essential for Nigeria's continued progress. The envoy also advocated for greater participation from women, youth, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups, stating that their inclusion determines public trust in electoral outcomes. The UK pledged continued support for strengthening democratic institutions, promoting transparency, and advancing credible electoral processes in Nigeria. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, expressed concerns about developments in the electoral process, urging civil society groups to monitor and hold institutions accountable. Former House of Representatives member Abdul Oroh encouraged young Nigerians to actively participate in politics to strength
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The African Democratic Congress ADC has criticized President Bola Tinubu's Democracy Day address, describing it as an admission of the All Progressives Congress's APC failure to deliver on promises after more than a decade in power. The opposition party stated that Tinubu's speech was "another campaign speech masquerading as a presidential address," arguing that Nigerians require tangible results instead of new assurances on economic recovery, security, and job creation. In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC questioned the performance of both Tinubu's administration and the APC government since 2015. The party noted that the speech was "long on promises and short on answers," resembling a candidate's address rather than that of a government in its fourth year. The ADC accused the President of failing to account for his administration's performance on a day commemorating the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The party highlighted that issues like insecurity, unemployment, poverty, and economic decline, which the APC promised to address in 2015, remain significant challenges. The ADC also criticized the administration's focus on future prospects while many Nigerians face severe economic hardship, including high food prices and soaring transportation costs. The party argued that Democracy Day should have been an opportunity for the President to explain the APC's stewardship over the last decade, rather than presenting a "catalogue of fu
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa stated that insecurity poses a significant threat to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Speaking at the 33rd anniversary of the June 12 Presidential Election in Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that democracy requires the collective commitment of citizens to uphold its values and principles. He noted that while democracy is a continuous journey measured by good governance, it can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security. Insecurity, he added, weakens democratic values, discourages civic participation, and erodes public trust. Governor Aiyedatiwa commended President Bola Tinubu's administration for its efforts to address insecurity through the "Renewed Hope Agenda," including strengthening coordination among security agencies and supporting decentralized policing. He also highlighted his administration's commitment to good governance, infrastructure renewal, and ensuring the safety of lives and property under the "OUR EASE Agenda." Former Edo State Governor Senator Adam Oshiomhole, the guest speaker, underscored that democracy enables citizens to question political leaders and promotes accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
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