The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive general elections in 2027.
The Minister gave the assurance during a meeting with the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, led by His Excellency Victor Bockarie Foh, former Vice-President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja. The Mission also included Ms. Francess Piagie Alghali, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and other members.
In his remarks, H.E. 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 described the Mission’s earlier engagements with stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), as constructive. He added that preliminary observations indicated a favourable environment for the elections, noting that consultations were ongoing and a report containing the Mission’s findings and recommendations would be submitted upon completion.
Responding, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the 2027 general elections are conducted in accordance with the Constitution and applicable electoral laws. She described the elections as significant for strengthening democracy in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.
The Minister emphasised the importance of institutional preparedness, transparent voter accreditation, effective result management and timely resolution of electoral disputes in building public confidence. She also stressed the need for effective coordination among security agencies to protect candidates, electoral officials, observers and voters, while ensuring that security personnel discharge their duties professionally and impartially.
She further highlighted the roles of political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media in promoting peaceful elections. She stressed the importance of voter education and tackling electoral offences, misinformation and disinformation through accurate and timely public information.
The Minister also underscored the need to strengthen electoral participation for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, while acknowledging the importance of credible election observation in promoting transparency and public confidence.
H.E. Foh welcomed the Minister’s assurances and expressed optimism about Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 elections. He emphasised the importance of sustained stakeholder engagement and continued efforts to address identified challenges, noting that credible elections in Nigeria would have wider implications for democratic governance and stability across West Africa.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to democratic governance, peace, stability and prosperity in the West African sub-region.
Signed:
Oluwafemi Adeniyi
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Friday, 30 October 2026
