US to Closely Monitor Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, Says Congressman Riley Moore

The United States has signaled that it will closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with Republican Congressman Riley Moore stating that the administration of Donald Trump considers the credibility of the polls an important issue in its engagement with Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with NoireTV, Moore said Washington would pay “very close attention” to how Nigeria’s next general election is conducted, stressing that both he and the U.S. administration would be watching the electoral process and its outcome.
“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.
Stronger U.S. Conditions on Nigeria
The U.S. lawmaker also revealed that the U.S. House of Representatives is considering an appropriations bill containing provisions affecting Nigeria, particularly regarding religious freedom, security cooperation, and U.S. foreign assistance.
Moore, who co-sponsored the proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 alongside Chris Smith, said the legislation contains robust measures that could shape future U.S.-Nigeria relations.
According to him, the bill includes strict provisions addressing the persecution of Christians, restrictions on U.S. security assistance to Nigeria, and benchmarks the Nigerian government must meet before receiving certain forms of American support.
He expressed optimism that the legislation would eventually become law, describing its language as “strong and aggressive” and potentially binding on future diplomatic and security relations between both countries.
Meeting with President Trump
Moore disclosed that he continues to engage the Trump administration on developments in Nigeria and was scheduled to meet President Trump during a dinner with other members of Congress.
He said the issues surrounding Nigeria remain important to the U.S. president and that discussions on the country’s democratic and security challenges would continue.
Bill Seeks Greater Accountability
The proposed Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act would require the U.S. Secretary of State to submit periodic reports to Congress detailing religious persecution, mass atrocities, the protection of vulnerable communities, prosecution of perpetrators, humanitarian efforts, and Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom obligations.
In addition, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee has advanced provisions in its annual State Department funding bill that would withhold 50 percent of certain U.S. foreign assistance to Nigeria until the American government certifies that Nigerian authorities are taking effective steps to curb religious violence.
The legislation also calls for investigations and prosecution of perpetrators of violent attacks, including those attributed to armed Fulani militia groups, while urging the Nigerian government to facilitate the safe return of internally displaced persons.
The development underscores growing congressional scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, religious freedom record, and preparations for the 2027 general elections, which are expected to attract significant international attention.