By Gloria Tochukwu Umeweni
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, has called on journalists, political actors and citizens to unite against the growing threat of disinformation, warning that fake news and propaganda could undermine Nigeria’s democracy if left unchecked.
Elumelu made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Night event at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives described the issue of disinformation as one of the greatest threats confronting the nation’s democratic process.
“At the moment, Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its democratic journey. As we look ahead to the 2027 general elections, we are confronted not only with familiar political challenges but also with a rapidly evolving and more complex threat; the weaponisation of disinformation.
“Disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda have moved from the fringes to take center stage as dangerous tools for manipulation of political discourse; unleashing negative energies that distort public perception and opinion, weaken institutions, erode public trust, instigate divisions, restiveness and violence and corrupt electoral outcomes.
“Of course, democracy thrives when citizens are well informed and able to make rational choices. However, when the public space is saturated with falsehoods, distortions, and manipulative narratives, the foundation of democracy itself becomes fractured. In such an environment, the integrity of elections is threatened long before ballots are cast.
“Disturbingly, as we approach the 2027 general elections, we are confronted with the threats of fabricated news stories, Artificial Intelligence generated as well as doctored images and videos, false data and figures crafted by campaigners of falsehood to inflame passions, scandalize individuals and discredit institutions,” Elumelu said.
The former lawmaker noted that the media remained the cornerstone of every democratic society and urged journalists not to compromise professionalism and ethical standards in the race for breaking news.
“The media must never surrender to agents of disinformation. Accuracy should never be sacrificed on the altar of immediacy and speed. Therefore, media houses must face the challenge on meeting the yearning of a society on the fast lane by strengthening their capacity to blend fact and speed to outwit purveyors of fake news.
“Ethical journalism must continue to guide reportage, particularly during electoral cycles. Objectivity, fairness, and balance are not optional; they are essential. Beyond reporting, the media also has a responsibility to educate citizens, helping them to recognize false information and make informed decisions.
“The media must be ready and equipped to rapidly detect and counter disinformation by enhancing their capacity for in-depth reportage anchored on credible sources and reinforced reporting techniques on where, when, how, what and who,” he stated.
Elumelu also warned journalists against allowing politicians to manipulate reports for selfish interests, insisting that the media should deny prominence to politicians who engage in falsehood and character assassination instead of issue-based campaigns.
“The media must refuse to create space for non-performing and unpopular politicians who, having no achievements or electoral credentials to campaign with, engage in falsehood, defamation and negative propaganda against opponents and political institutions.
“As we approach the 2027 elections, I urge the political class to ensure to play by the rules. We must act as patriots, imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and not seek political power by all means.
“Those seeking elective offices must be ready to present their scorecards, competencies and vision instead of resorting to acts of desperation, spreading falsehood, promoting divisive arguments and overheating the polity to achieve selfish aims,” he added.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the theme of the Press Week as timely and significant, stressing that journalists had a major role to play in safeguarding democracy and public trust.
“This year’s theme, ‘2027 Election: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,’ is not only timely, but deeply significant. As our nation moves closer to another critical electoral season, the challenge before us is clear: to protect the truth, defend democratic values, and resist the dangerous spread of falsehood, propaganda, and manipulated narratives that threaten the peace and unity of our country.
“The media occupies a strategic place in any democracy. Journalists are not merely observers of events; we are custodians of truth, watchdogs of society, and defenders of the public interest.
“In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly through digital platforms, the responsibility on journalists has become even heavier. We must continue to verify facts, present balanced reporting, and uphold the ethics that give credibility to our profession,” she said.
Ike commended Elumelu for accepting to deliver the keynote lecture, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose insights on governance and democracy would enrich public discourse.
She also appreciated the presence of the Chairman of the occasion and Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago, the Co-Chairman and former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, as well as the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, for their support and commitment to democratic engagement.
She further said the awards presented during the event were meant to honour professionalism, courage and integrity in journalism and corporate leadership.
“The awards we confer tonight are not merely tokens of recognition; they are a tribute to hard work, courage, professionalism, and integrity.
“As we celebrate, let us also renew our resolve to defend democracy through responsible journalism. Let us continue to speak truth to power, reject disinformation, and uphold the standards that define our noble profession.
“The future of our democracy depends in no small measure on the courage, discipline, and integrity of the media,” Ike stated.