Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, has reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to organizing free, transparent, and credible general elections by 2027, promising that the administration will back the democratic process and fortify the bodies tasked with delivering it.
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, on Friday, November 6, 2026, 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.
The minister said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration remained committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process through sustained support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while respecting the commission’s 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,” Idris said.
Addressing concerns about insecurity and its possible impact on the elections, the minister said the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to tackle security challenges across the country.
He highlighted the recruitment of additional military personnel and the procurement of equipment by the Tinubu administration to strengthen the operational capacity of the Armed Forces.
Idris also reiterated the government’s commitment to political and media freedoms, describing freedom of expression and political participation as fundamental to Nigeria’s 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 exercise restraint and verify information before sharing it, warning that false information could heighten tensions and undermine 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, warned against the misuse of the technology to create deepfakes, manipulate content and spread disinformation.
Speaking on Nigeria’s economic development priorities, Idris defended strategic borrowing as an important instrument for financing critical infrastructure, stimulating economic growth and investing 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. 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 aimed 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 Turkish Government, also commended the country’s government and the organisers for providing a platform for discussions on pressing global challenges.
He described the forum as an opportunity for world leaders, policymakers, scholars and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and explore practical solutions to shared challenges amid growing global uncertainty.
The 2026 edition of the TRT World Forum opened in Istanbul on Friday under the theme, “A World Without a Centre: Who Leads When the Rules Run Out?”
What You Should Know
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced during an interview in Istanbul that the Federal Government is fully committed to delivering credible general elections in 2027. He emphasized that the administration will support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while preserving its independence, alongside efforts to improve national security, combat misinformation, and responsibly finance infrastructure.
- Positive Impact: Reassures citizens and the global community of the government’s dedication to democratic stability, civil liberties, and infrastructure development through strategic financing.
- Potential Concerns: Persistent security challenges and the spread of fake news pose potential threats that require active mitigation to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
