…As NUJ urges media to defend Democracy at all time
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Ndudi Godwin Elumelu on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 tasked political actors and citizens to unite against the rising threat of disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 2026 Press Week and Awards ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Elumelu Nigerians to brace up and be ready to defend democracy at all times.
In a keynote address he presented as Guest Speaker, Elumelu noted that fake news and propaganda could undermine Nigeria’s democracy if not confronted decisively.
Speaking on the theme; “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” Elumelu, who won his party primary ticket for election into the House of Representatives in 2027, stressed that disinformation is one of the greatest threats to the nation’s democratic process, stressing that Nigeria stands at a defining moment ahead of 2027, by facing not only familiar political challenges, but the weaponisation of disinformation.
In the words of Elumelu; “Misinformation, disinformation and propaganda have moved from the fringes to become tools for manipulating political discourse, distorting public perception, weakening institutions, eroding trust, and fueling division and violence”.
He further said that democracy depends on an informed public capable of making rational choices, but was quick to add that a public space saturated with falsehoods and manipulative narratives fractures democratic foundations.
Elumelu referenced the growing use of fabricated news stories, AI-generated and doctored images and videos, and false data designed to inflame passions, scandalize individuals and discredit institutions.
He therefore urged the media to uphold professionalism and resist the pressure to sacrifice accuracy for speed, adding that media houses must strengthen their capacity to blend fact and speed, stressing that ethical journalism grounded in objectivity, fairness and balance is essential during electoral cycles.
Elumelu emphasised that the media has a duty to educate citizens to recognize false information and make informed decisions, just as he cautioned journalists against allowing politicians to manipulate coverage for selfish interests.
Accordingly, the former Minority Leader of the House of Reps urged the media to deny prominence to politicians who lack achievements and instead resort to falsehood, defamation and negative propaganda.
He appealed to the political class to play by the rules, present their scorecards and vision, and avoid spreading falsehoods to overheat the polity.
Earlier in her address of welcome, the Chairman of the NUJ-FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike said the media is more determined to play its constitutional role of informing, educating and standing in the gap between the government and the governed.
She noted that the theme was timely and significant particularly as the country edge towards another critical electoral season.
Ike insisted that journalists as custodians of truth and watchdogs of society, have the onerous responsibility in an age where misinformation spreads rapidly online, thus called on the media to verify facts, present balanced reporting, and uphold ethical standards.
Ike, while applauding the Chief of Defence Staff, General OO Oluyede, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, Hon Ndudi Elumelu and for IGP Mike Okiro for standing with and believing in the NUJ, tasked journalists to renew their resolve and commitment to defend democracy through responsible reporting.
The NUJ Chairman said the Awards presented to deserving recipients were meant to honour professionalism, courage and integrity.
