By Our Correspondents, Abuja
Stakeholders from the executive, legislature, military, traditional institutions, and the media converged on Abuja on Tuesday to chart a path toward secure and credible elections in 2027, with the Federal Government pledging to deploy all necessary resources to tackle both physical security threats and the growing menace of digital misinformation.
The occasion was the 8th Public Lecture, Impact Series and Awards of Excellence organised by Blueprint Newspapers Limited, held at a venue in the nation’s capital under the theme: “Security Challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
The event drew a cross-section of Nigeria’s political and military elite, including state governors, former governors, serving ministers, service chiefs’ representatives, traditional rulers, and the national chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, underscoring the collective concern over the nation’s preparedness for the next electoral cycle.
Addressing the gathering, the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu views the security of lives and property as a fundamental obligation of government and would not relent in its efforts to create an enabling environment for peaceful elections.
Idris said the integrity of any election is determined long before voting commences, pointing to the security climate, the independence of institutions, the behaviour of political actors, the responsibility of the media, and the quality of information available to the electorate as critical determinants.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had been ramping up investment in security infrastructure, personnel training, and technology acquisition to address the multifaceted threats facing the country, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts.
The Minister, however, devoted a significant portion of his address to what he described as an emerging and equally dangerous threat—the spread of false information amplified by advances in Artificial Intelligence.
He expressed concern that AI tools now make it possible to generate highly convincing but entirely fabricated audio, video, and photographic content, which could be deployed to mislead voters, incite violence, or delegitimise electoral outcomes.
“Democracy cannot thrive where citizens are deliberately misled,” Idris declared.
To counter this, he announced that the Ministry, in collaboration with UNESCO and other development partners, had established the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja. The institute, he explained, is designed to equip Nigerians with the critical thinking skills needed to distinguish fact from fiction in an increasingly complex information ecosystem.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), who was represented by Major General O.T. Akinjobi, delivered a stark assessment of the changing nature of election security.
Musa argued that the traditional focus on securing polling stations and protecting electoral materials was no longer sufficient to guarantee credible elections.
He identified cyber interference, disinformation campaigns, and deliberate efforts to erode public trust in democratic institutions as emerging threats that could be as damaging as physical violence.
“Election security can no longer be viewed simply as protecting polling stations. It is fundamentally the protection of democratic legitimacy,” the Defence Minister said.
He outlined a multi-pronged strategy to address these challenges, including intelligence-led security planning, enhanced cybersecurity measures, improved coordination among security agencies, strategic communication to counter false narratives, and active citizen participation in safeguarding the electoral process.
Musa called on all stakeholders to embrace a holistic approach that recognises the interconnectedness of physical security, information integrity, and institutional credibility.
Yari: Insecurity Not a Political Tool
Senator Abdul’Aziz Yari Abubakar, former Governor of Zamfara State and currently representing Zamfara West in the Senate, served as Chairman of the Occasion.
In his remarks, Yari drew on his executive experience leading a state that has been at the epicentre of banditry and kidnapping to offer what he described as practical lessons on confronting insecurity.
He stressed that the burden of security could not be left to the military and police alone, calling on political leaders, traditional rulers, community gatekeepers, and ordinary citizens to play active roles in intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, and community policing.
Yari warned against the temptation to weaponise insecurity for political advantage, urging politicians to resist exploiting the nation’s pain for electoral gain.
“The issue of insecurity is not something to be traded with for the purpose of winning the hearts of the citizens,” he said.
He noted that insecurity had persisted across successive administrations and electoral cycles, indicating that the problem was systemic and required a sustained, non-partisan approach rather than quick fixes driven by electoral calculus.
Yari called on Nigerians to unite in confronting the challenge, emphasising that a safe and stable country was a prerequisite for economic development, social cohesion, and democratic consolidation.
Etsu Nupe: Indivisible Nigeria Non-Negotiable
Delivering the royal blessing, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, Etsu Nupe, who was represented by His Royal Highness Alhaji Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, the Andoma of Doma, offered a traditional ruler’s perspective on the nation’s challenges and prospects.
The Etsu Nupe commended Blueprint Newspapers for sustaining the lecture series, describing it as a valuable platform for national dialogue that complements the work of government and other institutions.
He acknowledged the severity of Nigeria’s security and economic challenges but urged citizens not to lose sight of the country’s enormous human and intellectual capital.
The monarch declared that “there is no alternative to indivisible Nigeria,” calling on all citizens to take ownership of the nation-building project and resist any tendencies toward division or despair.
He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should be a source of strength rather than weakness, and that the collective responsibility for building a stronger, more prosperous nation rested on every citizen, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
Blueprint Publisher Explains Lecture’s Purpose
In his opening remarks, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Blueprint Newspapers Limited, Salisu Umar, traced the origins of the annual lecture to 2018.
He said the initiative was born out of a desire to extend the newspaper’s role beyond daily reportage to include sustained engagement with pressing national issues through face-to-face dialogue among policymakers, professionals, academics, and other stakeholders.
Umar said the lecture had over the years become a respected platform for candid conversations on governance, development, and national unity, adding that the 2026 edition was particularly significant given the proximity of the 2027 general elections.
He also noted that the awards component of the event was designed to recognise Nigerians who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and made meaningful contributions to national development, with the hope of inspiring others to similar commitment.
High-Profile Attendance
The lecture attracted a distinguished audience that included serving governors and their representatives.
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State was personally in attendance, while Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State was represented by the Commissioner for Innovation and Digital Economy, Hon. Bashar Umar Kwabo.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State sent his aide, Emmanuel Ogbeche, to represent him, while Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu State was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Ifeanyi Ossai. Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Barr. Zainab Jalingo.
Former governors in attendance included Senator Dr. Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State and Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, of Bauchi State.
Members of the Federal Executive Council present included the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, and the Honourable Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu.
Also present were the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace; the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Press Council, Nze Dili Ezughah; and the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo.
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