2027: APC moves to unify communication strategy, summons state information commissioners

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on Commissioners of Information in All Progressives Congress, APC, controlled states to adopt a unified communication strategy to effectively promote the policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu's administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Idris, who is the Coordinating Director for Media and Strategic Communication in the APC's 2027 Presidential Campaign Council, made the call on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with state commissioners of information from across the country, stressing the need for consistent messaging among government officials and party spokespersons.

He said the meeting was organised to establish a common communication framework that would ensure federal and state officials deliver coordinated messages about the administration's achievements, policies and priorities.

According to the minister, "effective communication goes beyond appearing on television or speaking to the media," noting that "government spokespersons must understand and consistently communicate the policies of the administration they represent".

According to him, some government spokespersons make statements that contradict the positions and objectives of their own administrations, describing the development as a reason for strengthening coordination among information managers.

Idris disclosed that the meeting would not be a one-off exercise, explaining that further engagements would be held within the next three weeks to strengthen collaboration and establish a more effective communication network ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also revealed plans to involve APC state party secretaries and spokespersons in subsequent meetings to ensure that government and party communication structures work towards the same objectives.

The minister, who is coordinating the Federal Government's strategic communication efforts, said the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda and its reforms must be properly explained to Nigerians.

He noted that the reforms were aimed at strengthening the economy, expanding opportunities, improving infrastructure and positioning the country for sustainable prosperity.

Idris urged the commissioners to explain not only the decisions taken by the government but also the reasons behind them, the challenges they seek to address and the expected benefits to Nigerians.

He further identified declining public trust in government officials as a major challenge, warning that negative public perceptions of political officeholders could undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

He therefore urged information managers to adopt factual, responsible and transparent communication capable of rebuilding public confidence.

The minister also called for greater use of traditional and digital media platforms, including television, radio, newspapers and social media, noting that artificial intelligence and changing patterns of information consumption had transformed public communication.

However, he emphasised that government communication should not be limited to disseminating information, urging the commissioners to listen to citizens, understand public concerns and use feedback to improve government engagement.

Idris said stronger collaboration among federal and state information managers would help ensure that Nigerians receive credible and consistent information about government activities across the country.

He disclosed that about 21 commissioners attended the meeting, describing the turnout as encouraging, while promising to engage governors whose commissioners were absent to ensure greater participation in subsequent meetings.

2027: APC moves to unify communication strategy, summons state information commissioners