Defence Minister Warns Politicians Ahead of 2027 Elections

(Christopher Musa. Photo by Chronicle NG)

Nigeria's Defence Minister has warned that the country cannot hold peaceful and credible elections through security alone if political actors turn to vi%lence and spread false information.

Gen. Christopher Musa, speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi, said political parties must put the nation's interests first and view elections as democratic competition rather than warfare.

He made the comments at a newspaper lecture and awards ceremony in Lagos.

Musa stressed that no amount of security, no matter how advanced, can ensure peaceful elections if political leaders choose vi%lence over dialogue.

He added that electoral laws cannot work if false information is allowed to replace factual reporting, and democratic institutions cannot thrive when citizens lose confidence in the legal system.

He called on political parties to prioritise national interest over party advantage, and urged candidates to understand that political competition is not the same as warfare.

The Defence Minister outlined a six-point plan for election security ahead of the 2027 elections.

The framework includes combining intelligence from different sources, assessing threats, protecting digital systems, strengthening cyber defence, coordinating between military and civilian authorities and managing strategic communications.

Musa said the Armed Forces would work alongside the National Security Adviser's office, police, secret police, defence intelligence and the electoral commission to carry out their constitutional responsibilities professionally and fairly.

He stressed that the military has no political preference in election outcomes and only wants Nigeria to remain peaceful, united and secure.

He called on media outlets, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders to promote honest reporting, civic education and peaceful participation in elections.

Musa also urged young people to reject political vi%lence.