2027 Elections: Ojukwu Warns Foreign Diplomats Against ‘Unguarded’ Comments

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has cautioned foreign diplomats in Nigeria against making what she described as unguarded or disparaging comments about the country’s 2027 general elections.

Ojukwu issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja while addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps, urging foreign missions to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and democratic processes as preparations intensify for the elections.

The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to delivering a peaceful, free, fair and credible election, stressing that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy meant that developments in the country could have regional and international implications.

“Recognising the fact that Nigeria is the largest democracy in Africa, and that developments in Nigeria have regional and international complications and implications, we would not look kindly upon unguarded comments, disparaging remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy,” she said.

She urged diplomatic missions to remain guided in their public comments on Nigeria’s electoral process, while encouraging them to engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs whenever they require clarification or have concerns involving the Nigerian government.

According to her, the ministry was the official channel between foreign missions and the Presidency, ministries, departments and agencies of the Federal Government, adding that the arrangement was designed to ensure proper coordination and effective follow-up.

“This is not intended to impede access or to create unnecessary bureaucracy. Rather, it ensures proper coordination, consistency, and effective follow-up,” Ojukwu said.

“Let me emphasise that the Ministry is not an obstacle between you and the Nigerian Government; we are your bridge to the Nigerian Government.”

On Nigeria’s foreign policy, the minister said the administration’s approach remained anchored on the “four Ds” of Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora, with Nigerians placed at the centre of the country’s international relations.

She said Nigeria would continue to pursue strategic autonomy while maintaining friendship and cooperation with other countries based on national interest, mutual respect, reciprocity and international obligations.

“Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation; it means preserving Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine the relationships and positions that best serve our people,” she said.

Ojukwu also called for the revitalisation of outstanding Joint Commissions and Bi-National Commissions between Nigeria and other countries, saying the platforms should be deployed to expand cooperation in trade, investment, security, education, technology, health and agriculture.

The minister further appealed to foreign missions to review visa procedures for Nigerian applicants, particularly lengthy processing periods affecting legitimate travellers, students, businesspeople and families.

While acknowledging the sovereign right of countries to determine their visa policies, she called for greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness.

Ojukwu assured diplomats that the Nigerian government remained committed to their safety and that of their families, premises and property in accordance with its obligations under the Vienna Conventions.

She said Nigeria would also continue to support dialogue, multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of disputes through its engagement with ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, Commonwealth and other international organisations.

The minister said the success of Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships should ultimately be measured by tangible benefits to citizens, including investments, opportunities, stronger security cooperation and the resolution of challenges affecting the people.