The Federal Government has assured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) of its commitment to conducting peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive general elections in 2027.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission to Nigeria, led by Victor Bockarie Foh, former Vice-President of Sierra Leone, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

The meeting formed part of the regional organisation’s efforts to assess Nigeria’s institutional, political and security preparedness ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Foh said the mission was in Nigeria to evaluate the country’s readiness for the 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 had already held engagements with several stakeholders, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

According to him, the engagements had been constructive, while the mission’s preliminary assessment suggested a favourable environment for the forthcoming elections.

However, he noted that consultations were still ongoing and that the mission would submit a report containing its findings and recommendations at the conclusion of the exercise.

Responding, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that the 2027 general elections were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and applicable electoral laws.

She described the forthcoming elections as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, expressing optimism that a successful process would strengthen democratic governance in the country and across the West African sub-region.

The minister stressed that institutional preparedness, transparent voter accreditation, effective management of election results and timely resolution of electoral disputes were critical to building public confidence in the electoral process.

She also highlighted the importance of effective coordination among security agencies to guarantee the protection of 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 ensuring that their conduct complies with Nigeria’s human rights obligations.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further underscored the need for voter education and effective enforcement of electoral laws to prevent offences capable of undermining the credibility of the elections.

She identified political parties, civil society organisations, traditional institutions and the media as important stakeholders in promoting peaceful elections and strengthening public confidence in the democratic process.

The minister also raised concerns over the threats posed by misinformation and disinformation, emphasising the need for accurate, accessible and timely information to guide voters and other participants in the electoral process.

She said efforts must also be made to improve practical arrangements for the participation of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, noting that inclusive elections were essential to strengthening democratic representation.

The minister acknowledged the importance of credible election observation, saying it would promote transparency, reinforce public confidence and help identify areas requiring improvement throughout the electoral process.

In his response, 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 engagement with stakeholders and continued efforts to address issues identified during the mission’s consultations.

The former Sierra Leonean vice-president noted that Nigeria’s ability to conduct credible elections in 2027 would have implications beyond its national borders, given the country’s strategic importance to democratic governance, peace and stability in West Africa.

The ECOWAS delegation included Francess Piagie Alghali, the commission’s Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, alongside other members of the fact-finding mission.