2027: FG Pledges Stronger Security, Information Environment for Credible Elections

By: Peter Emmanuel |

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

The 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, themed “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” brought together government officials, political leaders, security experts, media professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the challenges that could affect the 2027 elections.

Idris said the integrity of an election is determined not only on election day but also by the security environment, the credibility of institutions, the conduct of political actors, the professionalism of the media and the quality of information available to citizens.

He said the Federal Government would continue to mobilise the resources, personnel and technology required to address terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to the safety of Nigerians.

FG Moves to Strengthen Security Ahead of 2027 Elections

Idris said the security and welfare of Nigerians remained fundamental responsibilities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.

He said the government would continue to strengthen the capacity of security agencies to confront threats that could undermine peace and stability before, during and after the 2027 elections.

The Minister noted that a secure environment was necessary for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.

He also stressed the need for stakeholders to contribute to an environment where political activities and electoral processes can take place peacefully.

According to him, the Federal Government remains committed to peace, stability, national unity and the conditions required for credible elections in 2027.

Government Steps Up Fight Against Misinformation, Disinformation

The Minister also raised concerns over the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rapid development of artificial intelligence.

He said advances in AI have made it increasingly possible to create convincing but fabricated audio, video and images that could mislead citizens and influence public opinion.

“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled,” Idris said, stressing the importance of accurate and reliable information to the electoral process.

He 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 in Abuja.

The institute is expected to strengthen media and information literacy and help citizens better identify and respond to misleading information, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

Defence Ministry Calls for Broader Approach to Election Security

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), represented by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, said the changing security environment required a broader approach to election security ahead of the 2027 General Elections.

He said election security could no longer be limited to protecting polling units and electoral materials, as emerging threats now include 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,” he said.

He called for intelligence-led security planning, stronger cybersecurity, inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation in securing the electoral process.

The position reinforces the need for security agencies and other relevant institutions to anticipate emerging threats and work together to protect the credibility of the 2027 elections.

Yari Urges Stakeholders to Reject Politicisation of Insecurity

The Chairman of the occasion and former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, said insecurity should not be treated as the responsibility of security agencies alone.

Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, said political leaders, communities, citizens and other stakeholders all have roles to play in addressing insecurity.

Drawing from his experience in government, he said the challenge had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles and warned against politicising the issue.

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

He urged Nigerians to collectively confront insecurity and work towards making the country safer for present and future generations.

The Royal Father of the Day, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, represented by the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the unity and development of the country.

The Etsu Nupe said Nigeria’s challenges should not diminish its human and intellectual potential, stressing that there was no alternative to an indivisible Nigeria.

The Managing Director/CEO of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said the annual lecture, which began in 2018, was established to provide a platform for discussions on issues of national importance beyond the traditional newspaper space.

Idris congratulated Blueprint Newspapers, the speakers and recipients of the Awards of Excellence, saying recognition of outstanding contributions to national development would encourage continued commitment to public service and professional excellence.

The event was attended by several political leaders, ministers, government officials and other stakeholders, including Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Steel Development Shuaibu Abubakar Audu and Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.