UK Govt Explains Why It Attended ADC National Convention
...UK government justifies its officials attending ADC national convention as part of standard diplomatic practice even as the UK supports Nigeria’s democratic processes through
UK government justifies its officials attending ADC national convention as part of standard diplomatic practice even as the UK supports Nigeria’s democratic processes through engagement with political and civic stakeholders. The British High Commission emphasizes commitment to credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria
Premium Times ------- The United Kingdom's Government has said that it's officials attended the African Democratic Congress, ADC, national convention in Abuja as part of its standard diplomatic practice.
The ADC held its national convention on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Event Centre in the Garki area of Abuja.
However, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, FCDO, said attending such engagements was part of its duties aimed at boosting democracy not only in the Commonwealth but globally.
According to the FCDO spokesperson, the commission routinely engages political and civic stakeholders in Nigeria as well as supports Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes, “in line with international diplomatic practice.”
The FCDO spokesperson further said that attendance of such gatherings formed part of its official or routine political events.
The spokesperson spoke while reacting to the ADC leaders’ statement that the UK delegation was led by the British High Commission’s Political Secretary, Thomas Samson, and included a Nigerian staff member from the mission, Damilola Oyedele.
“Officials from the British High Commission, like other international missions, are invited to and routinely attend a range of events and meetings, including those hosted by political parties.
“Attendance of these events reflects the UK Government’s commitment to and engagement with the democratic process in Nigeria,” the FCDO official said adding that the British government supports credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
The FCDO spokesperson further explained that this, "Is done through cooperation focused on democratic governance, institutional strengthening, and electoral integrity."
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