2027: APC moves to unify communication strategy, summons state information commissioners

The Minister of Information and National Orientation for the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mohammed Idris, has urged state information commissioners to adopt a unified communication strategy to effectively promote President Bola Tinubu's administration's policies and programs ahead of the 2027 general elections. Idris, who heads the APC's Presidential Campaign Council's Media and Strategic Communication, made the appeal during a meeting with state commissioners in Abuja.

Idris emphasized the necessity of consistent messaging among government officials and party spokespersons, stating that the meeting's aim was to establish a common communication framework for federal and state officials to deliver coordinated messages about the administration's achievements, policies, and priorities. He explained that effective communication extends beyond media appearances, stressing that government spokespersons must understand and consistently communicate the administration's policies.

The minister noted that some government spokespersons have made contradictory statements, highlighting the need to strengthen coordination among information managers. He revealed that subsequent meetings would be held within the next three weeks to further bolster collaboration and establish a more effective communication network ahead of the 2027 elections.

Idris also announced plans to involve APC state party secretaries and spokespersons in these subsequent meetings to ensure alignment of government and party communication structures.

The APC Presidential Campaign Council's Coordinating Director for Media and Strategic Communication stressed the importance of explaining the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and reforms, which aim to strengthen the economy, create opportunities, improve infrastructure, and position Nigeria for sustainable prosperity. Idris urged commissioners to not only explain the government's decisions but also the rationale behind them, the challenges they aim to address, and the expected benefits for Nigerians.

Addressing a major challenge, Idris highlighted declining public trust in government officials, warning that negative perceptions of political officeholders could undermine confidence in democratic institutions. He urged information managers to adopt factual, responsible, and transparent communication to rebuild public confidence, advocating for the use of traditional and digital media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers, and social media.

Idris emphasized that government communication should focus on understanding citizens' concerns and using feedback to improve government engagement.

Idris reported that about 21 state commissioners attended the meeting, describing the turnout as encouraging and promising to engage governors whose commissioners were absent in subsequent meetings.