*Alhaji Lai Mohammed
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to approach the 2027 general elections as an opportunity to strengthen democracy, promote economic stability and consolidate national security.
Mohammed made the call on Thursday while serving as Chairman of the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The lecture, organised by Freedom Online, was themed “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”
He said security remained a fundamental precondition for economic growth, noting that businesses and investors could not thrive in an atmosphere of uncertainty.
“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,” he said.
Mohammed, however, noted that political stability was also dependent on economic inclusion, arguing that gainfully employed young people with clear prospects for self-actualisation would be less vulnerable to political manipulation and electoral violence.
He urged Nigerians to see the 2027 election not merely as a contest for political power, but as an opportunity for continuity, institution-building and national development.
According to him, “politics must never be allowed to override governance,” stressing that the true measure of democratic progress should be whether electoral outcomes strengthen institutions, boost investor confidence and promote peace across communities.
The former minister acknowledged the challenges confronting the Federal Government in the areas of security and economic reforms, saying they could not be resolved overnight.
He said the challenges required consistency, patience, stronger institutions and national cooperation.
“The efforts being made by the administration to stabilise the economy, attract investment, improve security and create a more sustainable foundation for growth deserve constructive engagement from all stakeholders,” Mohammed said.
*‘Media Must Guard Against Fake News’*
Mohammed also charged the media to play a responsible role in shaping public discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.
Drawing from his experience in public communication, he said the media was not merely an observer of national events but an important participant in shaping public opinion.
He said the press had the power to inform citizens, scrutinise claims, expose falsehoods and provide platforms for competing ideas, but warned that irresponsible reporting could equally amplify fear and deepen ethnic, religious and regional divisions.
“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.
According to Mohammed, media reporting during election periods could have a direct impact on public perception, economic confidence and national security.
He warned that sensationalism, fake news and incendiary rhetoric could fuel instability, while responsible journalism could shift political discourse away from tribal and partisan sentiments towards policies, competence and practical solutions.
“I charge the press to remain the custodians of truth as we head into another critical transition period,” he said.
Mohammed commended Freedom Online for sustaining its annual lecture series, describing the platform as an important avenue for national reflection.
He also expressed confidence that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was the Special Guest Speaker, would bring his experience in governance, security, infrastructure development and economic innovation to bear on the theme of the lecture.
He urged participants to listen attentively and engage constructively, with a view to developing a clearer understanding of how Nigerians could collectively safeguard the future of the country.