Paul Arkwright, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has said his country or any other Western nation was not against a second term by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Arkwright’s response follows speculations that the UK was planning to prevail on Mr Buhari to step down ahead of 2019 presidential election.

“I am very happy to put that rumour to bed. The United Kingdom supports a process whereby the people of Nigeria can exercise their democratic right to vote,” he told Premium Times on Thursday.

Mr Arkwright, however, did not say whether he knew Mr Buhari would run, but insisted that UK would not favour him over his opponents and vice versa.

“All of Nigeria should feel that they have a part to play in the democratic process. I encourage people to go out and get their PVCs.

“Who they vote for is a matter for their conscience and not for the United Kingdom government. Whichever candidate is standing, they need to make up their minds and decide who would best suit them.

“And that’s an individual choice. We favour a free, fair, credible and peaceful process and we’re working with INEC to make that happen,” Mr Arkright said.