On the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul, the Federal Government of Nigeria reaffirmed its pledge to hold free, fair and credible general elections in 2027. Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris told the Turkish broadcaster that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while respecting its constitutional independence.
Idris said the government would create an enabling environment for INEC to carry out its duties effectively, ensuring that the will of Nigerian voters is respected. “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,” he stated.
Addressing concerns about security, the minister highlighted the government’s intensified efforts to tackle insecurity across the country. He cited the recruitment of additional military personnel and the acquisition of new equipment as part of President Tinubu’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
On democratic rights, Idris stressed the administration’s commitment to political participation and press freedom, describing freedom of expression as a “fundamental pillar of democracy.” He warned against the spread of fake news and misinformation, urging Nigerians, political stakeholders and media organisations to verify information before publishing or sharing it to avoid unnecessary tension and protect public confidence in the electoral process.
The minister also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in journalism and governance. While acknowledging its potential to improve communication, public service delivery and access to information, he cautioned that AI could be misused to create deepfakes, distort information or deliberately mislead the public.
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the Tinubu administration remains focused on ensuring a secure, transparent and inclusive electoral environment that upholds the democratic will of the Nigerian people.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
