By Emmanuel Oloniruha
Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives has cautioned journalists to guard against the spread of fake news.
Elumelu gave the warning on Tuesday in Abuja at the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council Press Week, held at the Transcorp Hilton.
Delivering a keynote address with the theme:”2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” he urged journalists to be alert as Nigeria approached another election year.
He also urged journalists to resist the temptation of being manipulated by self-serving political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The former lawmaker said that the weaponisation of fake news, propaganda, and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated content posed severe existential threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“Disinformation, misinformation, and propaganda have moved from the fringes to take centre stage as dangerous tools for manipulation of political discourse.
“They unleash negative energies that distort public perception and opinion, weaken institutions, erode public trust, instigate division, restiveness, violence, and corrupt electoral outcomes,” he said.
The former lawmaker said that political actors were increasingly adopting strategic falsehoods to skew public narratives, adding that the rapid pace of the digital age had further exacerbated the crisis.
“Disinformation is not simply the accidental spread of false information, it is often deliberate, strategic, and politically motivated with a desired outcome.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we are confronted with the threats of fabricated and AI generated news stories and doctored images and videos.
“We are also confronted with false data crafted by campaigners of falsehood, to inflame passions, scandalise individuals, and discredit institutions,” he said.
He cautioned journalists against letting the pursuit of breaking news compromise their professional obligations.
He tasked media practitioners to remain independent and avoid becoming tools in the hands of desperate politicians.
“Journalists must therefore, guard against political actors who seek to compromise reports for their selfish reasons.
“The media must refuse to create space for non-performing and unpopular politicians who, having no achievements or electoral credentials to campaign on, resort to malicious propaganda and character attacks,” he said.
While acknowledging the pressure on modern media houses to deliver instant information, he said that verification must remain non-negotiable.
“In an era where speed often competes with accuracy, the discipline of verification must remain paramount.
“The media must never surrender to agents of disinformation, accuracy should never be sacrificed on the altar of immediacy and speed,” Elumelu said.
He called for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the menace including enhanced regulatory framework that protects press freedom, and national investment in technology capable of detecting deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.
Elumelu advised office seekers to market their scorecards and visions rather than pulling down opponents and overheating the polity.
He urged the political class to uphold true sportsmanship in the outcome of party primaries and other political activities during the 2027 elections.
“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,” he said.
He congratulated the NUJ for its age-long patriotism, dedication and resilience in defending democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
“I urge you not to relent, but continue to give your best in the battle against disinformation and ensuring credible, free and fair general elections in 2027,” he said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Chairman NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, said that the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” was not only timely, but deeply significant.
She said that as Nigeria approached another election year, journalists must safeguard truth, uphold democracy, and resist falsehoods, propaganda, and manipulation that endanger national peace, unity, and democratic values.
According to her, the media occupies a strategic place in any democracy and journalists are not merely observers of events but custodians of truth, watchdogs of society, and defenders of 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.
The highlight of the event was presentation of award to former Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mike Okiro as a patron of the union.
Other journalists were also recognised and honoured for their dedication, professionalism and impactful contributions to journalism. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Florence Onuegbu and Wandoo Sombo
