The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen the security and information environment needed to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this 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 credibility of an election depends not only on events at polling stations but also on the broader security environment, the integrity of institutions, the conduct of political actors, the 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 lives and welfare of Nigerians, adding that government would continue to deploy the necessary personnel, resources and technology to combat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.
The minister also identified misinformation and disinformation as growing threats to electoral integrity, particularly with the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, which has made it increasingly easy to create 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 collaboration with UNESCO and other stakeholders, had established the International Media and Information Literacy Institute in Abuja to strengthen citizens’ capacity to identify, assess and responsibly engage with information.
Idris congratulated Blueprint Newspapers, the speakers and recipients of the Awards of Excellence, saying the recognition of individuals who had contributed to national development would encourage greater commitment to public service and professional excellence.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would continue to be strong, stressing the Federal Government’s commitment to peace, stability, national unity and sustainable development.
Earlier, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said the annual lecture, which began in 2018, was established to provide a platform for robust discussion of national issues beyond the traditional newspaper space and to recognise Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development.
The Chairman of the occasion and former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, urged Nigerians to treat insecurity as a collective responsibility rather than a challenge to be left solely to security agencies.
Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, said insecurity had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles, warning political actors against politicising the challenge.
He called for greater collaboration among political leaders, communities and citizens to create a safer environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” he said.
The Guest Speaker, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), represented by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, said the evolving security landscape requires a broader approach to election security.
He noted that protecting polling units and electoral materials was no longer sufficient, with cyber interference, misinformation, disinformation and attempts to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions emerging as critical threats.
“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 cybersecurity measures, improved inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and increased citizen participation in safeguarding the electoral process.
The Royal Father of the Day, the Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, represented by the Andoma of Doma, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, commended Blueprint Newspapers for its contribution to national discourse.
He urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and development, stressing that the country’s challenges should not obscure its vast human and material potential.
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, Bashar Umar Kwabo; Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, represented by his media aide, Emmanuel Ogbeche; Governor of Enugu State, Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai; and Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Zainab Jalingo.
Also present were former Governor of Niger State, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello; former Governor of Bauchi State, 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; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, 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.
