Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election is already drawing international attention, with a United States lawmaker warning that Washington will closely monitor the credibility of the polls while reviewing its future security partnership with Abuja.
US Congressman Riley Moore, a Republican representing West Virginia’s Second District, said the administration of President Donald Trump and members of the US Congress would pay close attention to how Nigeria conducts and manages the 2027 general election.
Speaking during an interview with NoireTV, a platform focused on content for the African diaspora, Moore said credible elections would remain a major factor in US engagement with Nigeria.
“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.
The congressman also revealed that the US House of Representatives is considering an appropriations bill containing provisions affecting Nigeria, particularly in areas of religious freedom and American security assistance.
According to Moore, the proposed legislation includes measures addressing alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria and setting conditions that could influence future US support to the Nigerian government.
“We’re working on Chris Smith’s bill, which I’m a co-sponsor of. But more importantly, people need to pay attention to the appropriations bill before the House today,” he said, adding that the bill contains provisions that could shape the future relationship between both countries.
Moore said he would continue discussions with the Trump administration on developments in Nigeria and disclosed that he was scheduled to meet with President Trump to discuss the issues.
The lawmaker is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced alongside Congressman Chris Smith, which seeks regular reporting on religious freedom concerns, security assistance, humanitarian support, and government actions against attacks on vulnerable communities.
Earlier, the US House Appropriations Committee approved provisions proposing tighter oversight of certain foreign assistance to Nigeria. The measure includes conditions requiring Nigeria to demonstrate progress in addressing religious violence, investigating attacks, and supporting displaced communities before some aid can continue.
However, the proposal must still pass through the full US Congress before becoming law.
