2027: Elumelu tasks FCT journalists to combat disinformation

The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, has called on journalists in the Federal Capital Territory and other stakeholders to collectively confront 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 […]

The Minority Leader of the 9th House of Representatives, Ndudi Godwin Elumelu, has called on journalists in the Federal Capital Territory and other stakeholders to collectively confront 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 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 former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives described disinformation as one of the most serious threats facing Nigeria’s democratic process.

 

He said the country stands at a defining moment in its democratic journey, noting that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have worsened the spread of fake news.

 

“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 warned that disinformation, misinformation and propaganda have become powerful tools for manipulating public opinion, distorting facts and deepening divisions in society.

 

The lawmaker stressed that the media remains central to the survival of democracy, urging journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness and ethical standards in their reportage, particularly during election periods.

 

He further urged journalists to play a stronger role in educating citizens on how to identify and resist false information, while calling for enhanced investigative and verification mechanisms in news reporting.

 

Elumelu also cautioned against giving undue media attention to politicians who, according to him, rely on falsehoods, defamation and propaganda instead of issue-based campaigns.

 

Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the theme of the event was timely given the growing threat of misinformation as the country approaches another electoral cycle.

 

She described journalists as custodians of truth and urged them to remain committed to fact-checking, balanced reporting and professional ethics despite the fast-paced nature of digital media.

 

Ike commended Elumelu for delivering the keynote address and acknowledged the presence of dignitaries at the event, including Governor of Niger State, Umar Bago; former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje; and NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya.

 

She said the awards presented at the event were designed to recognise professionalism, courage and integrity in journalism and corporate leadership, while urging journalists to continue defending democracy through responsible reporting.