FG Reaffirms Commitment To Secure, Credible 2027 Elections

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to creating the security and information environment required for peaceful, credible and transparent elections in the 2027 general elections.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 8th Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence organised by Blueprint Newspapers Limited.

The event had the theme, “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”

Idris said the integrity of an election was determined by more than what happened on election day, noting that security, institutional credibility, the conduct of political actors, media professionalism and access to reliable information were equally critical.

“For the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security and welfare of Nigerians remain fundamental responsibilities of government,” the minister said.

He assured that the government would continue to mobilise the resources, personnel and technology required to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

Idris also raised concerns over the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence.

He said AI had made it increasingly possible to create convincing but fabricated audio, videos and images capable of misleading voters and undermining public confidence.

“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled,” he said.

The minister disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, in partnership with UNESCO and other stakeholders, had established the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja to strengthen media and information literacy.

Speaking at the event, former Zamfara State governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, said insecurity should not be treated solely as the responsibility of security agencies.

Yari, who chaired the occasion, said political leaders, communities, citizens and other stakeholders had important roles to play in addressing the country’s security challenges.

He warned against politicising insecurity, saying the problem had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles.

“The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” Yari said.

He urged Nigerians to work collectively towards making the country safer ahead of the 2027 elections and beyond.

The Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, who was represented by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, said the changing security environment required a broader approach to election security.

He said election security could no longer be limited to protecting polling stations and electoral materials, as emerging threats now included cyber interference, misinformation, disinformation and attempts to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

“Election security can no longer be viewed simply as protecting polling stations. It is fundamentally the protection of democratic legitimacy,” Musa said.

He called for intelligence-led security planning, stronger cybersecurity, improved inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation.

The Royal Father of the Day, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Andoma of Doma, Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, commended Blueprint Newspapers for promoting national discourse.

He urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and development, stressing that the country’s challenges should not diminish its human and intellectual potential.

“There is no alternative to indivisible Nigeria,” he said.

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Newspapers, Salisu Umar, said the annual lecture, which began in 2018, was established to provide a platform for discussing issues of national importance beyond the traditional newspaper space.

The event also featured Awards of Excellence recognising individuals who had made outstanding contributions to national development.

Idris congratulated the organisers, speakers and award recipients, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would continue to grow stronger.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to peace, stability, national unity and sustainable development as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.