By: Abdullahi Inuwa
Former Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigeria’s political class to put national stability, economic recovery and security ahead of the fierce battle for political power ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed made the call on Thursday in Lagos while speaking at the Freedom Online lecture, where he presented a paper titled “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”
The former minister cautioned political actors and other stakeholders against allowing the 2027 electoral contest to overshadow the urgent challenges confronting the country.
According to him, Nigeria is facing critical security and economic issues that require sustained attention, cooperation and responsible leadership, regardless of political affiliations.
Mohammed argued that the 2027 elections should not be viewed merely as a struggle for political offices but as another opportunity to advance the country’s long-term development and strengthen its democratic institutions.
He urged politicians to place the broader interests of the nation above personal ambitions, warning that excessive focus on power could undermine efforts to tackle problems that affect millions of Nigerians.
He said political competition was inevitable in a democracy, but it must be conducted in a manner that protects national unity, peace and stability.
Mohammed maintained that the country’s future should remain the central consideration as political parties and aspirants prepare for the next general elections.
He therefore called on political leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to approach the 2027 elections with a strong sense of responsibility, ensuring that the electoral process contributes to nation-building rather than deepening existing divisions.
The former minister’s message comes as political activities and alignments are gradually gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties and politicians already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a keenly contested poll.
Mohammed’s warning, however, was that the quest for political power must not come at the expense of Nigeria’s economic progress, security and long-term stability.



