2027: Fake news threatens Nigeria’s democracy — Elumelu

Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council have called on journalists, political actors, and citizens to unite against the growing spread of disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that fake news and propaganda could threaten Nigeria’s democracy if left unchecked.

Elumelu made the call on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 NUJ FCT Council Press Week Lecture and Awards Night held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” the former Minority Leader described disinformation as one of the greatest threats confronting Nigeria’s democratic process.

“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.

According to him, misinformation, propaganda, and manipulated narratives have become dangerous tools capable of distorting public perception, weakening institutions, eroding public trust, and corrupting electoral outcomes.

“Democracy thrives when citizens are well informed and able to make rational choices. However, when the public space is saturated with falsehoods, distortions, and manipulative narratives, the foundation of democracy itself becomes fractured,” Elumelu stated.

He warned that the 2027 elections could witness increased circulation of fabricated news stories, Artificial Intelligence-generated content, doctored videos, false data, and divisive propaganda aimed at misleading voters and destabilising the political environment.

The former lawmaker stressed that the media remains the cornerstone of democratic society and urged journalists not to sacrifice professionalism and ethics in the race for breaking news.

“The media must never surrender to agents of disinformation. Accuracy should never be sacrificed on the altar of immediacy and speed,” he said.

Elumelu called on media organisations to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and equip journalists with modern tools capable of detecting and countering fake news and misinformation.

He also warned politicians against manipulating the media for selfish political interests, insisting that journalists should deny prominence to politicians who rely on propaganda, falsehood, and character assassination instead of issue-based campaigns.

“The media must refuse to create space for non-performing and unpopular politicians who, having no achievements or electoral credentials to campaign with, engage in falsehood, defamation and negative propaganda against opponents and political institutions,” he added.

Earlier in her welcome address, Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, described the Press Week theme as timely and significant, noting that journalists have a critical role to play in defending democracy and protecting public trust.

“This year’s theme is not only timely, but deeply significant. As our nation moves closer to another critical electoral season, the challenge before us is clear: to protect the truth, defend democratic values, and resist the dangerous spread of falsehood, propaganda, and manipulated narratives,” she said.

Ike described journalists as custodians of truth and defenders of public interest, stressing that the rise of digital misinformation has increased the responsibility on media practitioners to verify facts and uphold ethical journalism.

She commended Elumelu for accepting to deliver the keynote lecture and appreciated the support of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, and NUJ National President, Alhassan Yahya, for their commitment to democratic engagement.

The NUJ FCT Chairman added that the awards presented during the event were meant to honour courage, professionalism, integrity, and excellence in journalism and leadership.

“The future of our democracy depends in no small measure on the courage, discipline, and integrity of the media,” Ike stated.