FG reaffirms commitment to credible elections

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the security and information environment necessary for peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.

This was according to a statement signed and issued by Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim.

The Minister stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 8th Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence organised by Blueprint Newspapers Limited, with the theme: “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”

Idris commended Blueprint Newspapers for sustaining the annual platform, describing it as an important avenue for policymakers, professionals, academics, the media and other stakeholders to engage on issues of national importance.

He said the theme was timely, 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.

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

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

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 discussing issues of national interest beyond the traditional newspaper space, while also recognising Nigerians who had demonstrated exemplary leadership and impact.

The Chairman of the Occasion, 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, Senator 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 Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe, who was represented by His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, the Andoma of Doma, commended Blueprint Newspapers for its contribution to national discourse and called on Nigerians to remain committed to the unity and development of the country.

In his message, the Etsu Nupe stressed that Nigeria’s challenges should not diminish the nation’s enormous human and intellectual potential, declaring that “there is no alternative to indivisible Nigeria” and urging Nigerians to take responsibility for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.

The Guest Speaker, Honourable 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.

The Information Minister congratulated Blueprint Newspapers, the speakers and recipients of the Awards of Excellence, stressing that recognising outstanding contributions to national development would encourage continued commitment to public service and professional excellence.

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.