FG Reaffirms Commitment to Secure, Credible 2027 Elections
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the security and information environment required for peaceful, credible and transparent elections ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while speaking at the 8th Blueprint Newspapers Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence, themed “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
Idris commended Blueprint Newspapers Limited for sustaining the annual platform, describing it as an important forum for policymakers, academics, professionals, the media and other stakeholders to engage on critical national issues.
He said the integrity of an election is determined by more than what happens on election day, noting that security, the credibility of institutions, the conduct of political actors, media professionalism and the quality of information available to citizens all play important roles.
“For the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security and welfare of Nigerians remain fundamental responsibilities of government,” Idris said.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would continue to deploy the necessary resources, personnel and technology to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats capable of undermining peaceful democratic processes.
FG Raises Concern Over AI-Driven Misinformation
Idris also drew attention to the growing threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has made it increasingly easy to produce convincing but fabricated audio, videos and images.
“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled,” he said.
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 (IMILI) in Abuja to strengthen media and information literacy among citizens.
Yari: Insecurity Requires Collective Action
The Chairman of the occasion and former Zamfara State Governor, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, said insecurity should not be regarded as the sole responsibility of security agencies.
Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, called for greater involvement of political leaders, communities, citizens and other stakeholders in addressing the country’s security challenges.
Drawing from his experience in government, he said insecurity had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles, warning 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,” Yari said.
He urged Nigerians to work collectively towards creating a safer environment for current and future generations.
The Royal Father of the Day, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, represented by the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, commended Blueprint Newspapers for contributing to national discourse.
He urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and development, stressing that the country’s challenges should not overshadow its enormous human and intellectual potential.
Defence Ministry Calls for Intelligence-Led Election Security
The Guest Speaker, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), represented by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, said the evolving security environment required a broader approach to election security ahead of 2027.
He explained that election security could no longer be limited to protecting polling stations, electoral materials and personnel, as emerging threats now include cyber interference, misinformation, disinformation and attempts to undermine public 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 measures, improved inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation.
Blueprint Celebrates National Contributors
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, 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.
He added that the event also recognises Nigerians who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and made meaningful contributions to national development.
Idris congratulated Blueprint Newspapers, the speakers and recipients of the Awards of Excellence, saying recognition of outstanding contributions would encourage greater commitment to public service and professional excellence.
The event was attended by governors, federal and state government officials, traditional rulers, legislators, media executives, political leaders and other prominent Nigerians, including Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, representatives of the governors of Sokoto, Cross River, Enugu and Taraba States, former Niger State Governor Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, former Bauchi State Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa, Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda.
The discussions at the forum highlighted the need for stronger security coordination, responsible political participation, credible information and institutional preparedness as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 General Election.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Secure, Credible 2027 Elections