Bianca Ojukwu warns foreign missions against unguarded comments about Nigerian politics

By Myke Uzendu

As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has cautioned foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria against making unguarded comments, disparaging remarks or unsolicited lectures on democracy in Nigeria.

The minister gave the warning on Thursday during her first formal engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps since her appointment, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who described Nigeria as Africa’s largest democracy, said developments in the country carried regional and international implications, stressing the need for foreign missions to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and established diplomatic channels.

She said diplomatic missions should be guided by the importance of maintaining mutually respectful relations with the Nigerian government as the country approaches another general election.

“As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would request that missions remain guided. 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,” the minister said.

She, however, assured the diplomatic community that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to democratic governance and the conduct of a credible election.

“The Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to democracy and to delivering an election that will be peaceful, free, fair, and credible in all ramifications,” she stated.

The minister called for closer cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign missions, emphasising dialogue, mutual respect and adherence to established diplomatic procedures in addressing issues.

“I want us to speak frankly, to engage constructively, and to resolve issues through dialogue, established diplomatic channels, and mutual respect,” she said.

She also urged diplomatic missions to route official communications and requests intended for the Presidency, ministries, departments and agencies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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