The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd) has declared that the Ministry would continue to work closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Defence Intelligence Agency, INEC and other relevant institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the Ministry would strengthen inter-agency planning, intelligence collaboration and operational readiness while supporting whole-of-government efforts to preserve peace and protect critical national infrastructure.
Musa stated this during the Blueprint Newspaper’s public annual lecture, and awards ceremony with the theme, “Security challenges and Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 elections” held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Represented by Major General Olufemi Akinjobi (retd), he pledged continued investment in the professionalism of the Armed Forces, saying the discipline, respect for human rights and fidelity to the Constitution remained essential to public confidence.
The Minister also clarified the constitutional role of the Armed Forces during elections, insisting that the military has no partisan interest in the outcome of elections.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria are constitutionally mandated to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country and, where lawfully authorised, provide Military Aid to Civil Authority in support of other security agencies.
Musa emphasised that such support must remain strictly non-partisan.
He said that confidence must be at the centre of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 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.
“The Armed Forces owe allegiance neither to political parties nor to individual candidates. Our allegiance is to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Our loyalty is to the Nigerian people,” he said.
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