Politics
By Anthony Isibor
FORMER Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said security and economic inclusion are critical to Nigeria’s stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed spoke on Thursday while chairing the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, where he urged political leaders, citizens and the media to focus on strengthening the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy rather than merely criticising existing efforts.
The lecture, organised by Freedom Online, was themed “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”
Mohammed said security was a precondition for economic growth, arguing that businesses and investors could not thrive or commit capital in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
“No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where safety cannot be guaranteed,” he said.
He, however, linked economic stability to political stability, saying young Nigerians who were gainfully employed and had a clear path to self-actualisation would be less vulnerable to political manipulation and electoral violence.
Mohammed said the 2027 elections should not be viewed simply as a contest for political power, but as an opportunity to consolidate nation-building and strengthen democratic institutions.
“Politics must never be allowed to override governance,” he said, adding that the real measure of democratic progress was whether electoral outcomes strengthened institutions, improved investor confidence and guaranteed peace in communities.
The former minister acknowledged the challenges confronting the Federal Government in the areas of security and economic reform, saying they could not be resolved overnight.
According to him, the challenges required consistency, patience, institutional strengthening and national cooperation.
He also said the administration’s efforts to stabilise the economy, attract investment, improve security and establish a sustainable foundation for growth deserved constructive engagement from stakeholders.
Mohammed devoted a significant part of his speech to the role of the media ahead of the 2027 elections, drawing on his experience in public communication.
He said the media was not merely an observer of national events but an important participant in shaping public discourse.
According to him, journalists have the responsibility to inform citizens, scrutinise claims, expose falsehoods and provide space for competing political and policy ideas.
He warned, however, that irresponsible reporting could amplify fear, deepen divisions and transform political disagreements into ethnic, religious or regional conflicts.
“We therefore need a media that is robust without being reckless; critical without being destructive; patriotic without becoming partisan; and free without forgetting the enormous responsibility that comes with freedom,” he said.
Mohammed further warned against sensationalism, fake news and incendiary rhetoric during the election period, saying such practices could undermine economic confidence and national security.
He urged journalists to shift the focus of election coverage from tribal and partisan sentiments to issues of policy, competence and practical solutions.
“Responsible journalism, on the other hand, elevates the discourse from tribal and partisan sentiment to policy, competence and concrete solutions,” he said.
The former minister commended Freedom Online’s management for sustaining the annual lecture for seven years, describing the platform as an important forum for national reflection.
He said the organisation had maintained a commitment to informing the public without fear and provoking thought without malice.
The event was attended by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, Freedom Online Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Akinadewo, as well as captains of industry, media executives and other guests.
Mohammed urged participants to use the lecture to engage constructively on the challenges facing the country and leave with a clearer understanding of how citizens and institutions could contribute to safeguarding Nigeria’s future.
A.I
Sept. 4, 2026
Tags: 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture Alhaji Lai Mohammed