The 2027 general elections, insecurity and Nigeria’s economic challenges will take centre stage at the seventh annual lecture of Freedom Online, scheduled for September 3 in Lagos.
The organisers said the event would examine the security and socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria, with particular attention to the threats posed by insecurity before, during and after elections.
In a statement, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said the decision to focus on insecurity was driven by its growing impact on the country’s stability and development.
He described insecurity as a “monster” threatening the Nigerian state, while stressing the need for stakeholders to examine its connection with electoral violence, poverty and underdevelopment.
Akinadewo said the lecture would also raise critical questions about Nigeria’s political future after the 2027 elections, including the credibility of the electoral process and whether its outcome would provide a strong foundation for national development.
He said the conduct of politicians, security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before, during and after the elections would be critical to determining the country’s future.
According to him, electoral thuggery and other forms of insecurity contribute to poverty, underdevelopment and wider social problems, threatening Nigeria’s political, economic and social stability.
“Obviously, insecurity, part of which is thuggery during elections, leads to poverty, underdevelopment and other social vices,” he said.
Akinadewo added that the consequences of the 2027 elections would extend beyond the ballot box, potentially influencing Nigeria’s position and influence in global affairs.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is expected to serve as the Special Guest Speaker at the lecture.
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, will chair the event, while former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard, Eze Anaba, will serve as the Chief Host.
The lecture is expected to bring together political leaders, journalists, security experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting Nigeria ahead of the 2027 elections and discuss possible pathways towards a more secure and stable country.
