Mark Aba, Abuja
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to conducting free, fair and credible general elections in 2027.
He assured Nigerians and the international community that the Federal Government would continue to support the democratic process and strengthen institutions responsible for ensuring credible elections.
Idris gave the assurance during an interview with TRT World, Türkiye’s international broadcaster, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026, which opened in Istanbul on Friday with the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”
The Minister said the administration had demonstrated its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through sustained support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while respecting the commission’s constitutional independence.
He stressed that the government would continue to provide an enabling environment for INEC to discharge its responsibilities effectively.
“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.
Addressing concerns over insecurity and its potential impact on the 2027 elections, Idris said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to tackle security challenges across the country.
He cited the recruitment of additional military personnel and the procurement of equipment by the Tinubu administration as measures aimed at strengthening the operational capacity of the Armed Forces to combat insecurity.
The Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to political and media freedoms, describing freedom of expression and political participation as fundamental pillars of democracy.
However, he warned against the spread of fake news, misinformation and unverified reports, particularly as the country approaches another election cycle.
He urged Nigerians, political actors and media practitioners to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, warning that the spread of false information could heighten political tensions and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
On the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and governance, Idris acknowledged its potential to enhance public communication, improve service delivery and expand access to information.
He, however, cautioned against its misuse in generating deepfakes, manipulating content and spreading disinformation.
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic development priorities, the Minister defended strategic borrowing as a legitimate instrument for financing critical infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and investing in the country’s future.
He noted that countries across the world, irrespective of their level of development, routinely borrow to finance projects that promote national development and improve citizens’ welfare.
“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.
“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. Ultimately, our objective is to build a stronger economy and improve the quality of life of Nigerians,” he said.
Idris maintained that the administration’s economic policies were designed to strengthen the economy, expand infrastructure and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
The Minister, who is attending the TRT World Forum at the invitation of the Turkish Government, commended the government and organisers of the event for providing a platform for global dialogue on pressing international issues.
He described the forum as an important opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to common challenges, particularly amid growing global uncertainty.
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