Defence Minister Warns of Cyber Threats for 2027 Elections

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), Nigeria's Minister of Defence, cautioned that the upcoming 2027 general elections are threatened by emerging security issues, particularly cyber interference and misinformation generated by artificial intelligence. Speaking at the 2025 Blueprint Newspapers Impact Series and Awards Ceremony, Musa, represented by Major General Olufemi Akinjobi (rtd), stressed that election security must evolve beyond merely protecting polling units to safeguarding democratic legitimacy.

He noted that threats now often manifest through cyberspace, exploiting social divisions and economic grievances. Musa highlighted the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence as a new vulnerability, capable of creating misleading content that can influence public opinion.

He reflected on Nigeria's past experiences with terrorism and organized crime, advocating for continuous adaptation in security strategies. Musa also pointed out that the military maintains constitutional neutrality in elections, emphasizing that the Armed Forces owe allegiance to the Constitution rather than political entities.