By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
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 continue to support the democratic process and strengthen electoral institutions.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance during an interview with TRT World, Türkiye’s international broadcaster, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul.
Idris said the Tinubu administration remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process through sustained support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while respecting its constitutional independence and providing an enabling environment for the commission to discharge its responsibilities.
“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 about insecurity and its possible impact on the 2027 elections, the minister 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 to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
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 cautioned 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 verify information before sharing it, warning that false reports could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
On the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and governance, Idris acknowledged its potential to improve public communication, service delivery and access to information.
He, however, warned against its misuse in generating deepfakes, manipulating content and spreading disinformation.
Speaking on the administration’s economic policies, the minister defended strategic borrowing as an important tool for financing critical infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and investing in the country’s future.
He maintained that borrowing was not peculiar to Nigeria, noting that governments across the world, including developed economies, relied on loans to finance development priorities.
“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,” Idris said.
He explained that the administration’s borrowing strategy was aimed at building critical infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, stimulating growth and laying the foundation for sustainable prosperity.
The minister added that the ultimate objective of the government’s economic policies was to strengthen the economy, expand infrastructure and improve the quality of life of Nigerians.
Idris, who is attending the TRT World Forum at the invitation of the Turkish Government, commended the government and organisers for providing a platform for global discussions on pressing international challenges.
The 2026 edition of the forum opened in Istanbul on Friday under the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”
He described the gathering as an important opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to shared challenges amid growing global uncertainty.
