The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has offered a defence of its officials’ attendance at the national convention of the African Democratic Congress in Abuja, describing the presence as a routine element of diplomatic engagement rather than political interference.
The FCDO issued the statement following reports that a delegation from the British High Commission, led by Political Secretary Thomas Samson, attended the ADC’s convention held in Abuja on April 14, 2026.
The office stated that officials from the British High Commission, like their counterparts from other international missions, regularly attend a broad range of events hosted by political parties, civic organisations, and other stakeholders. It framed the attendance as part of the UK Government’s commitment to engaging with Nigeria’s democratic process.
The statement stopped short of explicitly confirming or denying the specific attendance, maintaining only that such engagements reflect standard diplomatic practice and the UK’s continued support for credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
