WHY WE ATTENDED ADC NATIONAL CONVENTION, UK GOVT EXPLAINS

April 20, 2026 • Dons Eze • 2 min read

UK government justifies its officials attending ADC national convention as part of standard diplomatic practice UK supports Nigeria’s democratic processes through engagement with political and civic stakeholders British High Commission emphasizes commitment to credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria

The government of the United Kingdom has opened up on the reason some of its officials attended the African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention in Abuja.

Legit.ng reports that the ADC held its national convention on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Rainbow Event Centre in the Garki area of Abuja.

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said attending such engagements is part of standard diplomatic practice. From breaking news to viral moments. Follow Legit.ng on Instagram. The FCDO spokesperson said the commission routinely engages political and civic stakeholders in Nigeria.

The official said the commission also supports Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes “in line with international diplomatic practice”. As reported by Premium Times, the FCDO spokesperson said attendance at some of its official political events is routine. The spokesperson stated this 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 UK official said the British government supports credible, inclusive, and peaceful elections in Nigeria. The FCDO spokesperson explained that it is done through cooperation focused on democratic governance, institutional strengthening, and electoral integrity.

Dons Eze

DONS EZE, PhD, Political Philosopher and Journalist of over four decades standing, worked in several newspaper houses across the country, and rose to the positions of Editor and General Manager. A UNESCO Fellow in Journalism, Dr. Dons Eze, a prolific writer and author of many books, attended several courses on Journalism and Communication in both Nigeria and overseas, including a Postgraduate Course on Journalism at Warsaw, Poland; Strategic Communication and Practical Communication Approach at RIPA International, London, the United Kingdom, among others.