The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive general elections in 2027, assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its determination to strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the assurance on Thursday, October 29, 2026, during a meeting with the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
The mission was led by former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, Victor Bockarie Foh, who was accompanied by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Francess Piagie Alghali, and other members of the delegation.
Foh explained that the mission was in Nigeria to assess the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections through consultations with key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
He disclosed that the mission’s engagements with stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), had been constructive.
According to him, the mission’s preliminary assessment indicated a favourable environment for the forthcoming elections, although consultations were still ongoing.
He added that a report containing the mission’s findings and recommendations would be submitted upon the completion of its assignment.
Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the 2027 elections were conducted in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and applicable electoral laws.
She described the forthcoming elections as a defining moment for the country’s democracy, expressing optimism that a successful electoral process would strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria and across the West African sub-region.
The Minister stressed the importance of institutional preparedness, transparent voter accreditation, effective election result management and the timely resolution of electoral disputes in building public confidence in the electoral system.
She also underscored 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 the country’s human rights obligations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further highlighted the importance of voter education and effective enforcement of electoral laws to prevent offences and promote peaceful participation in the democratic process.
She emphasised the roles of political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media in ensuring credible elections, warning that misinformation and disinformation posed significant risks to the electoral process.
The Minister called for accurate, accessible and timely dissemination of electoral information to enable citizens to make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the elections.
She also identified the need to strengthen practical measures that would improve electoral participation among persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
The minister acknowledged the importance of credible election observation, noting that it could enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence and identify areas requiring improvement throughout the electoral process.
In his remarks, Foh welcomed the assurances given by the Nigerian government and expressed optimism about the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
He emphasised the need for sustained stakeholder engagement and continued efforts to address issues identified during the mission’s consultations.
Foh noted that Nigeria’s ability to conduct peaceful and credible elections in 2027 would have implications beyond its borders, given the country’s strategic importance to democratic governance and stability in West Africa.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to promoting democratic governance, peace, stability and prosperity across the West African sub-region.
The development comes as preparations and consultations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections continue to attract regional attention, with ECOWAS monitoring electoral readiness as part of its broader efforts to promote democratic governance and political stability among member states.