The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the security and information environment for peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.
The minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja, noting that the integrity of elections was shaped 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 that for the administration of President Bola Tinubu, “the security and welfare of Nigerians remain fundamental responsibilities of government,” adding that the Federal Government would continue to mobilise the resources, personnel and technology required to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to the safety of Nigerians.
The minister also highlighted the growing threat posed by misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence, which has made it increasingly possible to create convincing but fabricated audio, video and images.
He said, “Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled.”
Also speaking at the event, former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West Senatorial District, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, said insecurity should not be treated as the responsibility of security agencies alone, stressing that political leaders, communities, citizens and other stakeholders must play their part.
Drawing from his experience in government, Yari said the challenge of insecurity 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, urging Nigerians to collectively confront the challenge and work towards making the country safer for present and future generations.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, rtd, who was 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 explained that 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 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, calling for intelligence-led security planning, stronger cybersecurity, inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would continue to grow stronger, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to peace, stability, national unity and sustainable development.
2027: Tinubu’s govt will ensure peaceful, credible election – Idris