The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the security and information environment necessary for a peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said 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 said the integrity of elections was shaped not only on election day but also by the security environment, credibility of institutions, conduct of political actors, professionalism of the media and the quality of information available to citizens.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to protecting the security and welfare of Nigerians, adding that the government would continue to deploy the resources, personnel and technology required to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
Idris also raised concern over the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly with the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence, which has made it easier to produce convincing but fabricated audio, video and images.
“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled,” Idris 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.
Idris 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 further 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.
Earlier, 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 national issues beyond the traditional newspaper space and to honour Nigerians who had made significant contributions to national development.
The Chairman of the Occasion, former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, urged Nigerians to see insecurity as a collective responsibility rather than an issue for security agencies alone.
Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, said insecurity had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles, warning against politicising the challenge.
He said political leaders, communities and citizens must work together to make the country safer.
“The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” he said.
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.
He urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and development of the country, stressing that the country’s challenge should not overshadow its vast human and intellectual potential.
Meanwhile, 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 had gone beyond protecting polling units and electoral materials, with emerging threats including cyber interference, misinformation, disinformation and attempts to weaken 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.
Musa called for intelligence-led security planning, stronger cyber security,improved inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation.
The event was attended by the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu, represented by the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo; Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his aide, Emmanuel Ogbeche; Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai; and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Zainab Jalingo.
Also present were former Governor of Niger State, Senator Dr. Abubakar Sani Bello; former Governor of Bauchi State, Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN; Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu; Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Nze Dili Ezughah; and Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, among others.
