The immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives,Hon. Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, has called on journalists, political actors and citizens to unite against the growing threat of disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections, 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 ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja.
Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” the former lawmaker described disinformation as one of the greatest threats confronting Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to him, Nigeria is approaching a defining moment in its democratic journey as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections amid increasing concerns over the weaponisation of misinformation and propaganda.
“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,” he said.
Elumelu noted that disinformation, misinformation and propaganda had moved from the fringes to become dangerous tools for manipulating political discourse, weakening institutions, eroding public trust and threatening electoral integrity.
He warned that the spread of fabricated news stories, Artificial Intelligence-generated content, doctored images and videos, as well as false statistics, could inflame tensions, discredit institutions and distort public perception during the election period.
“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,” he added.
The former lawmaker stressed that the media remained the cornerstone of every democratic society and urged journalists not to sacrifice accuracy and professionalism 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,” Elumelu stated.
He charged media organisations to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and improve their capacity for investigative and credible reporting capable of countering fake news and propaganda.
Elumelu also cautioned journalists against allowing politicians to manipulate media platforms for selfish political interests, insisting that issue-based campaigns should take precedence over blackmail and character assassination.
“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,” he said.
He further urged politicians seeking elective offices to present their achievements, competence and vision to Nigerians instead of resorting to divisive narratives and desperate political tactics.
Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, Grace Ike, described the theme of the Press Week as timely and significant.
She said journalists occupy a strategic place in defending democracy and safeguarding public trust, particularly at a time when misinformation spreads rapidly across digital platforms.
“This year’s theme 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,” Ike said.
She emphasised that journalists were not merely observers of events but custodians of truth and defenders of public interest, urging media practitioners to remain committed to balanced reporting, fact-checking and ethical journalism.
Highlights of the event included the conferment of the NUJ FCT Council Grand Patron honour on former Inspector-General of Police, Mike Okiro, in recognition of his contributions to national development and support for the media profession.
The occasion also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding journalists, distinguished personalities and corporate organisations for excellence, professionalism and contributions to society.
Another major highlight was the unveiling of the second edition of Capital Voice Magazine, a publication of the NUJ FCT Council aimed at promoting journalism, public discourse and democratic engagement.
Ike commended Elumelu for accepting to deliver the keynote lecture and acknowledged the support of Niger State Governor,Umar Bago, Former Kano State Governor,Abdullahi Ganduje and the National President of the NUJ, Alhassan Yahya, for their commitment to democratic engagement and media development.
She added that the awards presented during the event were meant to honour professionalism, courage and integrity in journalism and corporate leadership.
“The future of our democracy depends in no small measure on the courage, discipline, and integrity of the media,” she stated.
