The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has clarified that the United Kingdom has no preference for any political party or candidate in the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.

Montgomery made the clarification at the end of a two-day working visit to Anambra State, where he met with key political, electoral, and security stakeholders ahead of the poll.

During the visit, he held separate meetings with Governor Charles Soludo, governorship candidates, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the State Commissioner of Police, and members of civil society organizations.

According to a statement released by the British High Commission in Abuja, discussions during the meetings centered on ensuring technical and logistical readiness for a transparent, credible, and peaceful election.

The talks also addressed critical issues such as the security of the 5,720 polling units across the state, boosting voter turnout, and managing security challenges in the 21 local government areas.

At the end of his engagements, Dr. Montgomery emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic process rather than any political interest.

“The United Kingdom does not support any political party or candidate. Our focus is on promoting a transparent, peaceful, and inclusive electoral process that truly reflects the will of the people,” he stated.

He urged political actors to uphold democratic principles and called on all eligible voters in Anambra to participate peacefully in the exercise.

Montgomery further reaffirmed the UK’s continued partnership with Nigeria in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance, assuring that Britain would remain actively engaged throughout the electoral process and beyond.