Minister warns envoys against unguarded comments ahead of 2027 elections

Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has cautioned foreign diplomatic missions against making unguarded comments or lectures on democracy as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections. At a diplomatic briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that Nigeria, Africa's largest democracy, has regional and international implications, urging missions to respect Nigeria's sovereignty and established diplomatic channels.

She assured the diplomatic community that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is committed to democratic governance and a credible election. The minister called for closer cooperation between the ministry and foreign missions, emphasizing dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to diplomatic procedures. She also urged missions to route official communications and requests through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu reiterated that Nigeria's foreign policy under Tinubu is anchored on the four Ds—Demography, Development, Democracy, and Diaspora.