2027: No Security Plan Can Stop Political Violence — Defence Minister

The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), has warned that Nigeria cannot achieve peaceful and credible elections through security measures alone if political actors resort to violence and misinformation.

Speaking through his Senior Special Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Akinjobi (retd.), at the eighth Blueprint Newspaper Lecture and Awards, Musa said political parties must prioritise national interest and treat elections as democratic competition, not warfare.

His words: “No security architecture, regardless of how sophisticated, can guarantee peaceful elections if political actors choose violence over dialogue. No electoral law can succeed where misinformation is allowed to replace truth. No democratic institution can flourish where citizens lose faith in the rule of law.

“The responsibility before us is therefore shared. Political parties must place national interest above partisan advantage, and candidates must recognise that political competition is not warfare.”

He proposed a six-point framework for election security ahead of 2027, covering intelligence integration, threat assessment, digital infrastructure protection, cyber resilience, civil-military coordination and strategic communications.

Musa said the Armed Forces would work with the ONSA, Police, DSS, DIA, INEC and other agencies to ensure their constitutional duties are carried out professionally and impartially.

He stressed: “Let me emphasise once again that the Armed Forces have no partisan interest in the outcome of elections. Our institutional interest is that Nigeria remains peaceful, united and secure, and that every lawful responsibility assigned to us is carried out with honour, professionalism and accountability. That commitment is unwavering.”

He urged the media, civil society, traditional and religious leaders to promote responsible reporting, civic education and peaceful participation, while calling on youths to reject political violence.