The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring free, fair and credible general elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians and the international community that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will uphold democratic principles and respect the will of voters.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in an interview with TRT World, Türkiye’s international broadcaster, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul.
Idris said the government remained committed to strengthening democratic institutions, supporting the electoral process and creating an environment in which Nigerians could freely exercise their voting rights.
“Let me assure Nigerians and the international community that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is fully committed to free, fair and credible elections in 2027. We will continue to support the democratic process and ensure that the will of the Nigerian people prevails,” he said.
He stressed that the Federal Government would continue to provide the necessary support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while respecting its constitutional independence.
According to him, strengthening electoral institutions and providing an enabling environment for their operations are essential to conducting credible elections.
On concerns about insecurity and its possible impact on the 2027 polls, the minister said the government was intensifying efforts to address security challenges across the country.
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He disclosed that President Tinubu had continued to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces through additional recruitment and the procurement of equipment to improve their ability to tackle insecurity.
Idris also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to political participation and media freedom, describing freedom of expression as a fundamental pillar of democracy.
He, however, cautioned citizens, political parties and media practitioners against spreading fake news, misinformation and unverified reports, particularly as political activities increase ahead of the elections.
The minister warned that false information could heighten political tensions, trigger public anxiety and weaken confidence in the electoral process.
He urged citizens and media organisations to prioritise responsible reporting, fact-checking and verification before publishing or sharing information.
On the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and governance, Idris acknowledged its potential to improve public communication, service delivery and access to information.
He cautioned, however, against using the technology to produce deepfakes, manipulate information or spread disinformation, emphasising the need for responsible application of emerging technologies.
Addressing concerns about the Federal Government’s borrowing policy, the minister defended strategic borrowing as a legitimate means of financing infrastructure and accelerating national development.
He noted that borrowing was not unique to Nigeria, as countries across the world used loans to fund development projects and invest in their economies.
“Borrowing is not a crime. Countries across the world, whether developed or developing, borrow to invest in their future. What matters is the purpose of such borrowing and the value it creates,” he said.
Idris said the Tinubu administration considered borrowing an investment in Nigeria’s future, particularly in critical infrastructure, economic expansion and job creation.
“For us, borrowing is an investment in Nigeria’s future building critical infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, stimulating growth and laying the foundation for lasting prosperity,” he added.
He maintained that the administration’s economic policies were aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding infrastructure and creating opportunities for sustainable growth and improved living standards.
The minister also commended Türkiye and the organisers of the forum for providing a platform for discussions on pressing global issues.
He described the gathering as an opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical responses to challenges confronting the international community.
The 2026 TRT World Forum, held in Istanbul under the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”, brought together participants to discuss global leadership, international relations and emerging challenges in an increasingly uncertain world.
