2027: Journalists Urged To Guard Against Fake News, Protect Nigeria’s Democracy
By Sunday Etuka
The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Godwin Elumelu, has warned that the weaponisation of disinformation could pose a grave threat to the 2027 general elections, urging the media to guard against fake news and political propaganda that would destroy the nation’s democracy.
Hon. Elumelu gave the warning on Tuesday while speaking at the 2026 Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, held at the Transcorp Hotel, Abuja.
The lawmaker, who spoke on a topic: “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation”, stated that the proliferation of false information has assumed centre stage as a dangerous tool for political manipulation, capable of distorting public perception, eroding institutional trust, instigating violence and subverting electoral outcomes.
“Disinformation is not simply the accidental spread of false information. It is often deliberate, strategic, and politically motivated with a desired outcome,” Elumelu said, adding that the digital age had made the rapid spread of falsehoods far easier through social media and online platforms.
He was particular about Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated fake news stories, doctored images and videos, and fabricated data, which according to him, were increasingly being deployed ahead of the 2027 general elections to hit up the polity, discredit individuals and institutions.
Elumelu identified high illiteracy rate and poor enlightenment as factors worsening the situation, noting that they had rendered large segments of the population vulnerable to rumour and speculation, which according to him is producing “a dangerously misinformed public that is apathetic to democratic participation, and at the same time agitated and prone to violence.”
Calling on journalists to rise to the moment, the minority leader stressed that accuracy must never be sacrificed for speed, underscoring the need for ethical journalism, objectivity, fairness and balance during elections.
“The media must never surrender to agents of disinformation,” he said, urging the media organisations to deepen their capacity to fact-check, and invest in tools capable of detecting fake contents.
He also warned journalists against compromising their reports, saying that the media must refuse to provide their platforms to politicians who resort to propaganda and character attacks instead of issue-based campaigns.
Elumelu called for stronger regulatory frameworks to combat disinformation without undermining press freedom, advocating support for independent fact-checking organisations, and the expansion of digital literacy programmes for the citizens.
Also speaking, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, said the gathering was a reminder of the vital role the media plays in the nation’s democracy by holding public institutions accountable.
In recognition of the media’s role, he said the press is the cornerstone of the society, through its reports, analysis, and public engagements, citizens are informed, and rule of law is preserved.
Represented by the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Yahaya Yakubu Shafa, the Chief Judge expressed the court’s willingness to collaborate with the media in terms of information gathering and sharing for speedy dispensation of justice.
On his part, the NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, said the Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event, but a period of retrospection, recommitment, and renewed advocacy for ethical journalism, towards national development and welfare of media professionals across the country.
He said the media landscape is evolving rapidly with the rise of digital communication, Artificial Intelligence (AI), citizen journalism, misinformation, disinformation, and growing security challenges confronting the media practitioners.
Yet, he said, despite these realities, the media and journalists in Nigeria remain resilient, courageous and committed to truth and public accountability.
“As journalists, we are custodians of democracy, we shape narratives, amplify the voice of the people, hold the leaders accountable and defend the principle of justice, transparency, and good governance. Without a vibrant and independent press, democracy itself becomes vulnerable,” he said.
Yahya said the FCT Council has continued to play a strategic role in strengthening professional journalism and promoting media excellence within the nation’s capital, commending the leadership of the council for its dedication, unity and commitment to the ideals of the noble profession.
He said the challenges facing journalism practice today cannot be ignored. Attacks on media practitioners, harassment, intimidation, job insecurity and unsafe working conditions continue to threaten the integrity and effectiveness of journalism practice in the country.
The Chair commended the cordial working relationship between the media and the State Security Service (SSS) and urged other security agencies in the country to copy their model of protecting journalists.
He said the union was not resting on its oars by pushing for improved welfare and working conditions, pension protection, prompt payment of salaries and greater institutional support for journalists nationwide.
“We believe that a journalist who works under fear, uncertainty, and hardship cannot effectively discharge his responsibility of informing the society.
“This why the union continues to engage the government, institutions, media, development partners, organisations and relevant stakeholders to prioritise the welfare and protection of journalists.
“I also wish to emphasise the urgent need for continuous capacity building within the profession. The future of journalism belongs to media practitioners who are adaptable, technologically driving, fact-oriented, ethically grounded as fake news and disinformation spread rapidly through digital platforms.
“Journalists must remain committed to verifications, accuracy, balance and professionalism. Our credibility remains our great assets,” he said.
Earlier, in her opening remarks, the Chairman, NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, urged the journalists to continue to speak truth to power, reject disinformation, and uphold the standard that defined the noble profession.
“The future of our democracy depends in no measure on the courage, discipline and integrity of the media,” Comrade Ike said.
She extended her heartfelt congratulations to the award recipients, and appreciated other dignitaries, union members and the planning committee members for making the occasion a memorable one.
The highpoint of the event was the decoration of former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro as grand patron of NUJ FCT Council, the presentation of awards to deserving dignitaries and members, and the unveiling of the NUJ FCT Magazine, “The Capital Voice.”
