The United States says it will closely monitor how Nigeria conducts its 2027 general elections, with a senior lawmaker indicating that the outcome could influence future relations between both countries.
Riley Moore, a member of the US House of Representatives, made the remarks during an interview with NoireTV, a cable and streaming network serving the African diaspora.
“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 is considering legislation that could affect its relationship with Nigeria, particularly regarding religious freedom and security assistance.
According to Moore, lawmakers are advancing legislation sponsored by Chris Smith, which he co-sponsors, alongside a broader appropriations bill containing provisions related to Nigeria.
“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 more attention to is the Appropriations Bill that we’re going to have on the floor today…,” he said.
Moore explained that the bill includes provisions addressing the persecution of Christians in Nigeria and places conditions on US security assistance to the Nigerian government unless specified actions are taken.
He expressed confidence that the legislation would become law, adding that it contains “strong aggressive language” that would shape future US-Nigeria relations.
The lawmaker also said he would continue discussions with Donald Trump, describing the issue as one the US president considers important.
Moore is a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced with Smith in February. The proposed legislation, alongside the appropriations bill, seeks to tie aspects of US financial and security assistance to Nigeria’s efforts to address violent attacks and improve religious freedom.
