Media
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, while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council Press Week, held at the Transcorp Hilton.
He also urged journalists to resist the temptation of being manipulated by self-serving political actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation”, 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, doctored images and videos, and 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 government support for independent fact-checking organisations, enhanced regulatory frameworks that protect press freedom, and national investment in technology capable of detecting deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.
Urging the political class to embrace true sportsmanship as the 2027 election cycle draws closer, Elumelu advised office seekers to market their scorecards and visions, rather than pulling down opponents and overheating the polity.
“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 desperations, spreading falsehood, promoting divisive arguments and overheating the polity to achieve selfish aims,” 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. (NAN)
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