The United States is signaling that Nigeria's 2027 general elections will get unusually close attention from Washington with real policy stakes attached.

US Congressman Riley Moore speaking in interviews and community engagements this past week, said future US security and financial support for Nigeria could depend on religious freedom concerns and the conduct of the polls.

He described the credibility of the elections as a key issue for Washington noting both the administration and Congress will be observing the electoral process and its outcome.

Moore is a co-sponsor of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, introduced with Congressman Chris Smith in February . If passed, it would require the Secretary of State to submit regular reports to Congress on efforts to address religious persecution in Nigeria, along with assessments of Nigeria's compliance with religious freedom obligations and reviews of US security assistance and sanctions.

Separately, the House Appropriations Committee passed provisions in April 2026 in its State Department funding bill imposing stricter oversight on aid to Nigeria stipulating that 50% of funds earmarked for Nigeria would be withheld until the government is certified as taking "effective steps" to curb religious violence.

Moore framed Nigeria's importance in continental terms — its position as pivotal in Africa, with implications for regional security, economic stability, and democratic governance across the continent . He said he's staying in direct contact with the Trump administration on the issue and planned to raise it further at a dinner with the President.

The renewed attention follows the disputed 2023 general elections, which led to court challenges and calls for greater transparency in future polls .

With major parties already forming alliances and positioning candidates, 2027 is shaping up to be one of Nigeria's most closely watched — and most competitive — elections since 1999.