The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen Nigeria’s security and information systems ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the credibility of the polls will depend on more than what happens at polling stations.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the commitment in Abuja on Tuesday at the 8th Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence organised by Blueprint Newspapers Limited.
The event focused on the theme, “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
Idris said peaceful and credible elections would require a secure environment, trusted institutions, responsible political actors, professional journalism and accurate information for citizens.
He added that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would continue to deploy the personnel, resources and technology needed to confront terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other threats to public safety.
The minister also identified misinformation and disinformation as growing threats to democracy, particularly as artificial intelligence makes 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 in Abuja to improve citizens’ ability to identify and resist false information.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), represented at the event by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, said election security must evolve with the changing threat landscape.
He argued that protecting democracy now requires more than securing polling units and electoral materials; it also demands protection against cyber interference, coordinated disinformation and attempts to weaken public 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, calling for intelligence-led planning, stronger cybersecurity, closer inter-agency coordination, strategic communication and wider citizen participation.
Former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar urged political leaders, communities and citizens to share responsibility for tackling insecurity.
He warned against politicising the challenge or using it as a tool to win public support. “The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” Yari said.
The event’s royal father, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, represented by the Andoma of Doma, Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, called for renewed commitment to national unity and development.
He said Nigeria’s difficulties should not obscure the country’s vast human and intellectual potential, declaring that “there is no alternative to indivisible Nigeria.”
Idris commended Blueprint Newspapers for sustaining the annual platform, which began in 2018, and congratulated the newspaper, speakers and award recipients.
He expressed confidence that Nigeria’s democratic institutions would grow stronger while reaffirming the govt’s commitment to peace, stability, national unity and sustainable development.