Picture: Bianca Ojukwu, Foreign Affairs Minister
The Federal Government has assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive general elections in 2027.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Friday during a meeting with the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, led by former Sierra Leonean Vice-President, Victor Bockarie Foh, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the government was determined to ensure that the electoral process complied with the Nigerian Constitution and relevant electoral laws.
She described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, expressing optimism that a credible process would strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
The minister identified institutional preparedness, transparent voter accreditation, effective management of election results and timely resolution of electoral disputes as critical to building public confidence in the electoral system.
She also emphasised the need for effective coordination among security agencies to protect candidates, electoral officials, observers and voters before, during and after the elections.
According to her, security personnel must discharge their responsibilities professionally and impartially while respecting human rights and the rule of law.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further stressed the importance of voter education and effective enforcement of electoral laws, noting that political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media had significant roles to play in ensuring peaceful elections.
Expressing concern over the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, she called for accurate, accessible and timely information to guide citizens throughout the electoral process.
She also advocated stronger measures to guarantee the participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in the elections.
Earlier, Foh said the mission was in Nigeria to assess the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections through consultations with relevant institutions and stakeholders.
He disclosed that the delegation had engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
According to him, earlier consultations with stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, had been constructive.
Foh said the mission’s preliminary assessment indicated a favourable environment for the forthcoming elections, although consultations were still ongoing.
He added that the delegation would submit a report containing its findings and recommendations at the conclusion of its assignment.
The former Sierra Leonean vice-president welcomed the assurances given by the Nigerian government, expressing optimism about the country’s preparedness for the elections.
He, however, emphasised the need for sustained engagement with stakeholders and prompt attention to identified concerns, noting that the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 elections would have far-reaching implications for democratic governance and stability across West Africa.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to promoting democracy, peace, stability and prosperity in the sub-region.
Tags: 2027 Elections, ECOWAS, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria
