President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that his administration will ensure a free, fair and credible general election in 2027, addressing both Nigerians and the international community during an interview with TRT World on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul.
Speaking through a statement from his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said the Tinubu government would continue to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while respecting its constitutional independence and providing an enabling environment for its work.
Idris also highlighted the government’s intensified security measures ahead of the election cycle, noting the recruitment of additional military personnel and the procurement of equipment to strengthen the Armed Forces’ capacity to tackle insecurity across the country.
He stressed the importance of political and media freedoms, warning against the spread of fake news, misinformation and unverified reports. “False information could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process,” Idris cautioned, urging Nigerians, political actors and media practitioners to verify information before sharing it.
Addressing the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism and governance, Idris acknowledged its potential to improve public communication and service delivery but warned of its misuse to create deepfakes and manipulate content.
In discussing economic priorities, the minister described strategic borrowing as a tool for financing critical infrastructure and stimulating growth. “Borrowing is not a crime…what matters is the purpose of such borrowing and the value it creates,” he said, emphasizing the goal of building a stronger economy and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.
Idris, attending the forum at the invitation of the Turkish government, praised the event as a platform for global dialogue on pressing international challenges and a chance for leaders, policymakers and scholars to exchange ideas amid growing global uncertainty.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
