The Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their most recent assessment of the integrity of elections in Nigeria; and what discussions they have held, if any, with the President of Nigeria about the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2022. [HL6364]
The Rt Hon The Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
The UK remains committed to supporting the democratic process in Nigeria, and we continue to stress the importance of free and fair elections ahead of the 2023 presidential race. We warmly welcome the signing of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law on 25 February. We assess that this will help contribute to free, credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
The UK continues to work with civil society and the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen the integrity of elections in Nigeria. On 21 February the Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Vicky Ford MP, met with officials from the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission to discuss the vital role a strong and independent electoral commission will play in delivering credible and transparent 2023 elections. Minister Ford also raised elections with the Vice President during her visit, and expressed the UK Government’s wish to see a strong legal framework in place well ahead of elections.
THE RT HON THE LORD GOLDSMITH OF RICHMOND PARK
—————
The Lord Alton of Liverpool
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the statement by the Irigwe Development Association that 24,000 voters from 16 communities in Plateau state, Nigeria, may not be able to vote in upcoming elections in the Bassa Local Government Area after being displaced by violence. [HL6367]
The Rt Hon The Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park
The UK Government remains concerned by insecurity across Nigeria. The Minister for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean met with officials at the Independent National Electoral Commission, where she discussed the importance of free, fair and safe electoral process in Nigeria, including for the 2023 elections. The Minister also met with religious leaders and officials from the Plateau State peace-building agency, to discuss a range of issues, including social inclusion and the important of good governance and democracy. The Minister has asked officials to follow-up on the situation in the Bassa local government area.
We continue to raise insecurity and human rights in Nigeria with the Nigerian Government. Earlier this month, at the inaugural dialogue of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership, the Minister for Africa held productive discussions with the Nigerian National Security Adviser on Nigeria’s security situation. The Minister also raised rising insecurity and its impact on the Nigerian people during her recent visit with the Vice-President, Foreign Minister and several State Governors. Through our Security and Defence Partnership with Nigeria, the UK and Nigeria are working together to respond to shared threats, and to support Nigeria to tackle a range of security challenges.
THE RT HON THE LORD GOLDSMITH OF RICHMOND PARK
