President Bola Tinubu is committed to holding free, fair and credible elections in 2027, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has said.
Speaking to TRT World on the sidelines of the TRT World Forum 2026 in Istanbul, Idris said the administration would support the democratic process and strengthen the institutions responsible for conducting elections.
The forum opened on Friday under the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”
In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said the government would continue to support the Independent National Electoral Commission while respecting its constitutional independence.
“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.
On concerns about insecurity and its potential impact on the elections, Idris said the Federal Government was stepping up efforts to address security challenges. He pointed to the recruitment of additional military personnel and the procurement of equipment to strengthen the Armed Forces.
The minister also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to political and media freedoms, describing freedom of expression and political participation as fundamental to democracy. He urged Nigerians, political actors and journalists to verify information before sharing it, warning that fake news and unverified reports could heighten tensions and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Idris said artificial intelligence could improve communication, public services and access to information, but cautioned against using it to create deepfakes, manipulate content or spread disinformation.
On the economy, he defended strategic borrowing as a way to finance infrastructure, support growth and invest in the country’s future.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Idris said the administration’s economic policies were aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding infrastructure and creating opportunities for sustainable growth.
Attending the forum at the invitation of the Turkish government, he commended the organisers for bringing together leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to discuss global challenges and possible solutions.
