US Congressman Says They Will Watch Nigeria’s 2027 Elections Closely

The United States government under President Donald Trump will keep a close eye on Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, US Congressman Riley Moore has stated.

Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, spoke about Nigeria’s upcoming elections. He said the conduct of the polls is something Washington will be paying “very close attention to.”

He shared his thoughts during an interview with NoireTV, which was posted on their social media on Sunday.

When asked if the US could do more to help ensure credible elections in Nigeria, Moore said, “What I’d say is that we’re certainly going to be watching these results and how these elections unfold and how they’re executed. And that’s something that myself and the administration are going to be paying very close attention to.”

US Legislation on Nigeria

The Congressman also mentioned that the US House of Representatives is looking at a new appropriations bill that includes provisions about Nigeria, especially regarding religious freedom and US security aid.

“We’re working on Chris (Smith)’s bill, which obviously I’m a co-sponsor of that bill. But I’d say, more importantly, what people need to pay attention to is the appropriations bill that we’re going to have on the floor today,” Moore said.

He pointed out that the proposed bill has “pretty strong and aggressive language” about Nigeria’s ties with the United States.

“There’s a lot of language that I put on that bill that’s inside of it that relates to Nigeria and the persecution of Christians and restrictions on security assistance to the government of Nigeria, and steps that they have to take.

“That bill’s likely to become law. We’re about to, hopefully, pass that here today. And so there’s some pretty strong and aggressive language in that bill that’s going to be binding as it relates to our relationship to Nigeria moving forward,” he added.

Ongoing Discussions with the Trump Administration

Moore said he will keep talking to the Trump administration about issues related to Nigeria. He also mentioned that he is set to meet President Trump.

“I continue to work with the administration on next steps that we’re going to take. I’m actually going to see President Trump tonight. I’ll be having dinner with him and some other members, so yeah, I continue to talk to him about these issues, and it’s very important to him,” he said.

Moore is also a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, which he introduced with Congressman Chris Smith in February.

This proposed law aims to require the US Secretary of State to send regular reports to Congress about efforts to deal with religious persecution and mass violence in Nigeria.

The Smith-Moore bill suggests checking Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards, US security assistance, sanctions, humanitarian aid, and steps taken by the Nigerian government to protect vulnerable communities and deal with attackers.

PUNCH Online reports that the US House Appropriations Committee passed provisions in its annual funding bill for the State Department in April 2026. This bill imposes stricter rules and conditions on money given to Nigeria.

The bill sent to Congress states that 50 percent of funds meant for Nigeria under foreign assistance will be held back until it is confirmed that the government is making “effective steps” to reduce religious violence.

It also requires that funds must support investigations and prosecutions of violence by Fulani militia groups and that the government must help displaced persons return safely.