Nigeria Rejects External Lectures On Democracy, Reaffirms Credible 2027 Elections
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has warned foreign missions and international organisations against making what she described as “unguarded comments, disparaging remarks or unsolicited lectures on democracy” as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
Addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps during her first formal briefing as Foreign Affairs Minister in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to democratic governance and credible elections.
“As the 2027 General Elections draw near, we would not accept unguarded comments, disparaging remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy from any country or international organisation,” she said. “The Government of President Tinubu is committed to democracy and delivering an election that will be peaceful, free, fair and credible in all ramifications.”
The minister used the occasion to outline Nigeria’s foreign policy direction under the Tinubu administration, which she said is anchored on four pillars: Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora.
According to her, the framework places Nigerians at the centre of the country’s foreign policy while promoting economic diplomacy, democratic governance and engagement with Nigerians abroad.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also stressed that Nigeria would continue to pursue what she described as “strategic autonomy” in its international relations.
“Nigeria seeks friendship and cooperation with all nations, but our positions and partnerships will be guided by our national interest, mutual respect, reciprocity and our international obligations,” she said.
The minister reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the official channel of communication between diplomatic missions and all arms of the Nigerian government, including the Presidency, ministries, departments and agencies.
She urged foreign missions to route official communications through the ministry to ensure effective coordination and avoid duplication or misunderstandings.
“The Ministry is not an obstacle between you and the Nigerian Government; we are your bridge to the Nigerian Government,” she said.
On bilateral relations, Odumegwu-Ojukwu announced plans to revive a number of dormant Joint Commissions and Bi-National Commissions with partner countries, describing them as important platforms for advancing cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, technology, agriculture and health.
She said the government wanted diplomatic goodwill to translate into measurable benefits for citizens through stronger economic and development partnerships.
The minister also called on foreign missions to review visa procedures for Nigerians, particularly long processing times that affect students, business travellers and families.
While acknowledging the sovereign right of countries to determine their visa policies, she urged missions to adopt greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured diplomats that their welfare and security remained a priority for the Nigerian government, noting that Nigeria would continue to uphold its obligations under the Vienna Conventions regarding the protection of diplomatic personnel, missions and property.
She further pledged closer engagement between the ministry and the diplomatic community, describing the Foreign Ministry as the “diplomatic home” of foreign missions in Nigeria.
The briefing marked her first formal engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps since her appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
It focused on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic procedures, bilateral cooperation, security, cultural diplomacy and preparations for deeper international engagement.
