The federal government has cautioned foreign missions against what it described as “unsolicited lectures on democracy” ahead of the 2027 general election.
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs, spoke
on Thursday during a briefing with members of the diplomatic corps at the
federal ministry of foreign ministry headquarters in Abuja — her first formal
engagement with the corps since assuming office in April.
Speaking on principles of reciprocity and mutual respect,
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria is open to meaningful partnerships but urged
foreign missions to “remain guided, recognising that as the largest democracy
in Africa, developments in Nigeria have regional and international
implications”.
“We would not accept unguarded comments, disparaging
remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy from any country or international
organization,” the minister said.
“The government of President Tinubu is committed to
democracy and delivering an election that would be peaceful, free, fair and
credible in all ramifications.”
Odumegwu-Ojukwu asked the diplomats to see the foreign
affairs ministry not merely as a bureaucratic institution but as a partner in
accomplishing their legitimate objectives in Nigeria.
“In return, we ask that Nigeria’s institutions, sovereignty
and diplomatic processes be accorded the same respect that we extend to yours,”
she added.
The minister said Nigeria remains open to trade, investment,
tourism, technology, knowledge and meaningful partnerships.
She added that the country would continue to champion
dialogue, multilateralism and peaceful resolution of disputes, while remaining
active within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the
African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth and other
international institutions.
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