2027: Elumelu, NUJ Rally Media Against Fake News, Democratic Manipulation

The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, OON, has urged journalists, political actors and Nigerians to work together against the growing wave of disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news and propaganda could threaten the nation’s democracy if not properly addressed.

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 held 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 disinformation as one of the greatest dangers confronting Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, Nigeria is presently at a crucial point in its democratic journey, and as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, it faces not only familiar political challenges but also the growing threat posed by the weaponisation of disinformation.
He noted that disinformation, misinformation and propaganda had evolved into dangerous tools used to manipulate political discourse, distort public perception, weaken institutions, erode trust, fuel division and violence, and compromise electoral outcomes.
Elumelu stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens are properly informed and able to make rational decisions, warning that when the public space becomes flooded with falsehoods and manipulative narratives, the foundation of democracy itself is weakened. He added that in such situations, the integrity of elections becomes threatened long before voting begins.
He further expressed concern over the increasing spread of fabricated stories, Artificial Intelligence-generated and doctored images and videos, as well as false data being circulated to inflame passions, discredit individuals and undermine institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former lawmaker maintained that the media remains the cornerstone of every democratic society and urged journalists not to compromise professionalism and ethics in the race to break news first.
He stated that the media must never yield to agents of disinformation, adding that accuracy should not be sacrificed for speed. According to him, media organisations must strengthen their capacity to combine speed with factual reporting in order to outsmart promoters of fake news.
Elumelu also emphasised that ethical journalism must continue to guide election coverage, stressing that objectivity, fairness and balance are indispensable. Beyond reporting events, he said the media also has the responsibility of educating citizens to identify false information and make informed decisions.
He urged journalists and media houses to improve their capacity for in-depth reporting anchored on credible sources, while also deploying reinforced reporting techniques to rapidly detect and counter disinformation.
The former Minority Leader further cautioned journalists against allowing politicians to manipulate reports for selfish political interests. He insisted that the media should deny prominence to politicians who engage in falsehood, defamation and character assassination instead of issue-based campaigns.
According to him, the media must refuse to provide platforms for non-performing and unpopular politicians who lack achievements or electoral credentials and resort to negative propaganda against opponents and political institutions.
Elumelu also called on political actors to play by the rules as the 2027 elections approach, urging them to act as patriots, embrace sportsmanship and avoid desperate attempts to gain power at all costs.
He said those seeking elective offices should present their achievements, competence and vision to Nigerians instead of spreading falsehoods, promoting divisive narratives and overheating the polity for selfish ambitions.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the theme of the Press Week as timely and significant, noting that journalists have a critical role to play in protecting democracy and public trust.
She stated that as Nigeria moves closer to another crucial electoral season, the challenge before journalists is to defend the truth, protect democratic values and resist the spread of falsehood, propaganda and manipulated narratives capable of threatening national peace and unity.
Ike noted that the media occupies a strategic position in every democracy, describing journalists as custodians of truth, watchdogs of society and defenders of the public interest.
She observed that the rise of misinformation on digital platforms has placed greater responsibility on journalists, who must continue to verify facts, ensure balanced reporting and uphold the ethics that give credibility to the profession.
The NUJ FCT Chairman commended Elumelu for accepting to deliver the keynote lecture, describing him as a distinguished statesman whose views on governance and democracy would enrich national discourse.
She also appreciated the presence and support 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 commitment to democratic engagement.
Ike added that the awards presented during the event were aimed at recognising professionalism, courage and integrity in journalism and corporate leadership.
According to her, the awards were not just symbols of recognition but tributes to hard work, courage, professionalism and integrity.
She urged journalists to renew their commitment to defending democracy through responsible journalism by speaking truth to power, rejecting disinformation and upholding the standards of the profession.
“The future of our democracy depends in no small measure on the courage, discipline, and integrity of the media,” Ike stated.