By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair and credible general elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will support the democratic process and strengthen institutions responsible for delivering credible polls.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during an interview with TRT World on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The forum, which opened on Friday, November 6, is themed “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”
Idris said the Tinubu administration would continue to provide support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while respecting its constitutional independence and allowing it to carry out its responsibilities effectively.
He maintained that the government was committed to ensuring that the will of Nigerians prevailed in the 2027 elections.
The minister also addressed concerns about insecurity and its potential impact on the electoral process, saying the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to tackle security challenges across the country.
According to him, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of additional military personnel and the procurement of equipment to improve the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
Idris further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to political participation, freedom of expression and media freedom, describing them as essential elements of Nigeria’s democracy.
However, he warned against the spread of fake news, misinformation and unverified reports, particularly as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 elections.
He urged Nigerians, political stakeholders and media organisations to verify information before sharing it, warning that false reports could increase political tension and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
On the growing influence of artificial intelligence in journalism and governance, the minister acknowledged its potential to improve public communication, service delivery and access to information.
He, however, cautioned against the misuse of AI to produce deepfakes, manipulate information and spread disinformation.
Minister Defends Government Borrowing
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic development priorities, Idris defended strategic borrowing, describing it as an important financing tool for infrastructure development, economic expansion and long-term national growth.
He argued that borrowing was not inherently wrong, stressing that its value depended on how the funds were used and the benefits delivered to citizens.
According to him, governments across the world borrow to finance development projects and create economic opportunities.
The minister maintained that the Tinubu administration’s economic policies were designed to strengthen the economy, expand infrastructure and create conditions for sustainable growth.
He said the ultimate objective was to improve living standards and build a stronger Nigerian economy.
Idris, who attended the TRT World Forum at the invitation of the Turkish Government, also commended the organisers for providing a platform for international discussions on pressing global challenges.
He described the gathering as an opportunity for policymakers, world leaders, scholars and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and develop practical responses to growing global uncertainties.
Source: Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation (FMINO).
