…Congressman warns Washington will scrutinise conduct and outcome of polls
….Proposed US bill may tie security aid to religious freedom, anti-violence measures
The administration of United States President Donald Trump will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, US Congressman Riley Moore has said.
Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia, said Washington would pay “very close attention” to the conduct of the elections and their outcome, stressing the importance of credible democratic processes in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, the lawmaker said the US administration would carefully observe how the elections are organised and executed.
“We’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. That’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to,” Moore said.
He disclosed that the US House of Representatives is considering an appropriations bill containing what he described as “strong and aggressive” provisions affecting future US-Nigeria relations.
According to Moore, the proposed legislation focuses on allegations of religious persecution, particularly against Christians, and seeks to impose stricter conditions on US security assistance to Nigeria.
The bill, which is expected to require periodic reports from the US Secretary of State, would assess Nigeria’s compliance with religious freedom obligations, efforts to prevent mass atrocities, and measures to protect vulnerable communities.
It also proposes withholding 50 per cent of US funds earmarked for Nigeria until the Nigerian government is certified to be taking effective steps to curb religious violence, investigate attacks by armed groups, and facilitate the safe return of displaced persons.
Moore, who said he is a co-sponsor of legislation championed by Congressman Chris Smith, added that he would continue to engage President Trump on developments in Nigeria, noting that the issue remains important to the US administration.
