The United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, is visiting Nigeria to support efforts towards peaceful, credible and inclusive 2027 general elections.
Simão is in Nigeria from November 1 to 7, 2026, for high-level consultations with political leaders, government officials and key democratic institutions.
The visit is part of the United Nations’ engagement with Nigerian stakeholders to promote democratic stability, strengthen electoral processes and encourage an environment conducive to peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.
During the consultations, the UN envoy is expected to engage relevant authorities and democratic institutions on issues surrounding electoral preparedness, political dialogue and the importance of inclusive participation in the electoral process.
The engagement also underscores the importance of cooperation among political parties, government institutions, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in ensuring that the forthcoming elections are conducted peacefully and credibly.
Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are expected to attract significant attention, given the country’s strategic importance to democratic governance and stability in West Africa.
The United Nations has consistently emphasised the need for peaceful elections, respect for democratic principles, constructive political dialogue and the protection of fundamental rights throughout electoral processes.
Simão’s visit provides an opportunity to reinforce these principles and encourage Nigerian stakeholders to work collectively towards elections that reflect the will of the electorate.
The UNOWAS is mandated to promote peace, security and political stability across West Africa and the Sahel through preventive diplomacy, mediation and engagement with governments and regional institutions.
The office also works with national and regional partners to address political tensions, strengthen democratic institutions and prevent conflicts that could undermine stability in the region.
The envoy’s consultations in Nigeria are expected to contribute to broader efforts to safeguard democratic governance and promote peaceful political transitions in the lead-up to the 2027 polls.
