2027 Election Must Focus on Economy, Security, Nation-Building — Lai Mohammed

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigerians and political stakeholders to approach the 2027 general elections as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s economy, security and democratic institutions rather than merely as a contest for political power.

Mohammed made the call on Thursday while delivering his speech as Chairman of the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

The lecture, organised by Freedom Online, had as its theme: “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”

Mohammed said security remained a fundamental condition for economic growth, stressing that businesses and investors could not thrive in an environment characterised by uncertainty and insecurity.

According to him, political stability is also closely linked to economic inclusion, particularly the ability of young Nigerians to secure employment and have opportunities for self-development.

He said, “Security is the precondition for economic growth. No business thrives in an atmosphere of uncertainty, and no foreign or local investor deploys capital where safety cannot be guaranteed.”

The former minister urged Nigerians to see the 2027 election beyond the struggle for political offices, arguing that elections should contribute to continuity, institution-building, investor confidence and peace across the country.

He acknowledged the challenges confronting the Federal Government in the areas of economic reform and national security, saying such problems could not be resolved overnight.

Mohammed maintained that tackling the challenges would require consistency, patience, stronger institutions and cooperation among Nigerians.
He also commended ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to stabilise the economy, attract investments, improve security and establish a more sustainable foundation for economic growth, urging stakeholders to engage with the process constructively.

On the media, Mohammed, who spent years in public communication, described the press as an important participant in shaping national discourse, particularly during election periods.

He charged journalists to inform citizens, scrutinise political claims, expose falsehoods and provide space for competing ideas, while warning against sensationalism and incendiary reporting.

According to him, irresponsible media practices could amplify fear, deepen divisions and transform political disagreements into ethnic, religious or regional conflicts.

He therefore called for 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.”

Mohammed further warned that fake news, sensationalism and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine economic confidence and national security during the election season.

He urged the media to prioritise policy, competence and concrete solutions in their coverage of the 2027 elections, rather than tribal or partisan sentiments.

The former minister commended Freedom Online Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, and his team for sustaining the annual lecture series, describing the platform as an important avenue for national reflection.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State served as Special Guest Speaker, while former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel, was Special Guest of Honour. The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba, was the Chief Host.