The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has remarked that there is no striking variance between the manifestoes of Nigeria’s four leading presidential candidates, particularly in the area of policy.
In an interview, the High Commissioner divulged that her country’s government is not backing any of the 18 presidential candidates and is ready to work with any of them that emerges as President in the February 25 election.
Although, there are 18 political parties in the race, the 2023 presidential election is shaping to be a four-horse race between the candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP) and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
The four leading candidates have issued their manifestoes.
Bola Tinubu has the “Renewed Hope 23”, while Atiku released a manifesto titled “My Covenant with Nigeria”. For Peter Obi, he is counting on his “Our Pact with Nigeria” while Kwanwaso released “My Pledges To You”.
Laing noted that observers are motivated by the pledge of the candidates to take some hard decisions on the economy because there is a nexus between economy and security.
“They have all published their manifestoes. What is quite striking is how similar they are. I did not see huge policy differences among the big four. They have all told us how important it is to take those difficult policy decisions. But are there differences? In terms of policies, I did not see much differences.”
Catriona Laing
Laing stated, “We have engaged with the big four and I have met with some of the smaller parties as well.”
“We are not backing any candidate,” Laing said, adding that whoever comes in will have a lot of challenges, on security and the economy.
“We urge all the candidates to take early action on the economy. When the economy functions, the security environment will also improve. The security we seek is related to joblessness and lack of alternative livelihood.”
Catriona Laing
Voters Must Accept The Outcome Of The Election
Additionally, Catriona Laing stated that the most important thing is that voters must accept the outcome of the election, noting that the UK and its allies are ready to deploy necessary sanctions.
The envoy refused to divulge Nigerians that are under visa ban or watch because that would be a data breach.
“When people do their research and ask which candidate best represents their interest and who will do more for them in future Nigeria, and they make their choice and they accept the result, that is the most important thing.”
Catriona Laing
Laing opined that one thing “we need to worry about Nigeria is the flip side of a very close election where there is a lot of engagement and there is a lot at stake.”
“There is no predetermined outcome, that is the beauty of democracy,” Laing iterated.
“Where the UK is aware of the intent to subvert the democratic process, we are prepared to take action against those prepared who engage in or incite electoral violence or indeed other anti-democratic behaviour.”
Catriona Laing
“We have two tools in our toolbox. We have a visa ban,” Laing noted.
Laing disclosed that the High Commission has refused visas to travel to the UK for people undermining the democratic process or for more serious behavior. “We have sanctions,” she added.
Moreover, the High Commissioner said, “We are watching closely, this is not targeted at any political party or individual. It could be applied to anyone.”
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