2027: Idris Declares Tinubu’s Administration Committed to Free, Fair And Credible Polls 

2027: Idris Declares Tinubu’s Administration Committed to Free, Fair And Credible Polls

By Sarah Kitka

Istanbul: (Core Reporters) Nigeria Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to the conduct of free, fair and credible general elections in 2027, assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting the democratic process and strengthening the institutions responsible for its success.

The Minister gave the assurance during an interview with TRT World, Türkiye’s international broadcaster, on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026, which opened in Istanbul on Friday under the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”

Idris emphasised that the Tinubu administration continues to demonstrate its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process through sustained support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while respecting its constitutional independence and ensuring that it operates in an enabling environment to effectively 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,” the Minister said.

On concerns about insecurity and its possible implications for the elections, Idris said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to address security challenges across the country. He highlighted President Tinubu’s recruitment of additional military personnel and procurement of equipment to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces in tackling insecurity.

The Minister reiterated the administration’s commitment to political and media freedoms, stressing that freedom of expression and political participation remain fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy.

He, however, 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 exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it, noting that false information could heighten tensions and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Speaking on the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in journalism and governance, Idris acknowledged its potential to improve public communication, service delivery and access to information, while warning against its misuse to generate deepfakes, manipulate content and spread disinformation.

Addressing Nigeria’s economic development priorities, the Minister emphasised that strategic borrowing remains an important instrument for financing critical infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and investing in the country’s future, noting that governments across the world routinely leverage such financing to advance national development and improve citizens’ well-being.

“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. For us, borrowing is an investment in Nigeria’s future — building critical infrastructure, expanding economic opportunities, stimulating growth and laying the foundation for lasting prosperity. Ultimately, our objective is to build a stronger economy and improve the quality of life of Nigerians,” he said.

He maintained that the administration’s economic policies were directed at strengthening the economy, expanding infrastructure and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.

Idris, who is attending the TRT World Forum at the invitation of the Government of Türkiye, commended the Turkish Government and the organisers for providing a platform for global dialogue on pressing international challenges.

He described the Forum as an important opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to shared challenges, particularly at a time of growing global uncertainty.