The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen security and combat threats including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, misinformation and disinformation to ensure peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027, Information Minister Mohammed Idris said on Tuesday.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the security and information environment required for peaceful, credible and transparent elections in 2027.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at the eighth Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence organised by Blueprint Newspapers Limited.

The event, with the theme, “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections,” brought together government officials, politicians, security experts, media practitioners and other stakeholders to examine threats to the electoral process.

Idris said the integrity of elections was determined by more than what happened on polling day, noting that the security environment, strength of institutions, conduct of political actors, professionalism of the media and quality of information available to citizens all played critical roles.

“For the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the security and welfare of Nigerians remain fundamental responsibilities of government,” he said.

The minister said the government would continue to deploy resources, personnel and technology to tackle terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats that could undermine public safety and democratic participation.

He also identified misinformation and disinformation as growing threats to the electoral process, particularly with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, which has made it easier to produce convincing fake 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 partnership with UNESCO and other stakeholders, had established the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja to improve media and information literacy.

According to him, strengthening citizens’ ability to identify false information would be increasingly important as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

The minister commended Blueprint Newspapers for sustaining the annual public lecture, describing it as a valuable platform for policymakers, academics, professionals, the media and other stakeholders to engage on national issues.

Idris congratulated Blueprint Newspapers, the speakers and recipients of the Awards of Excellence, expressing optimism that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would continue to strengthen.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to peace, stability, national unity and sustainable development.

Chairman of the occasion and former Zamfara State governor, Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, said election security and the broader challenge of insecurity should not be left to security agencies alone.

Yari, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, said political leaders, communities, citizens and other stakeholders had roles to play in addressing insecurity.

Drawing from his experience in government, he noted that insecurity had persisted through successive administrations and electoral cycles, warning against politicising the problem.

“The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to work collectively towards creating a safer country for present and future generations.

The Guest Speaker, Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd.), represented by Major General Olufemi Akinjobi, also called for a broader approach to securing the 2027 elections.

He said the changing security environment meant that election security could no longer focus solely on protecting polling units and electoral materials.

According to him, emerging threats include cyber interference, misinformation, disinformation and attempts to undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

“Election security can no longer be viewed simply as protecting polling stations. It is fundamentally the protection of democratic legitimacy,” he said.

He called for intelligence-led security planning, stronger cybersecurity, improved inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and greater citizen participation.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, said the annual lecture, which began in 2018, was created to provide a platform for discussing issues of national importance beyond the newspaper’s regular coverage.

He added that the event also recognised Nigerians who had demonstrated exemplary leadership and made significant contributions to national development.

The Royal Father of the Day, Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, represented by the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, commended the newspaper for promoting national discourse.

The Etsu Nupe urged Nigerians to remain committed to national unity and development, stressing that the country’s challenges should not overshadow its human and intellectual potential.

“There is no alternative to indivisible Nigeria,” he said, urging citizens to take responsibility for building a stronger and more prosperous nation.