Ndudi Elumelu Warns Journalists to Resist Fake News Ahead of 2027 Elections
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu, has cautioned journalists against the spread of fake news and disinformation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
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.
Speaking on the theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” Elumelu said fake news, propaganda and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated content pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
Fake News and 2027 Elections Threaten Democracy
According to the former lawmaker, disinformation and misinformation have moved from the fringes to become dangerous tools for manipulating political discourse and public opinion.
“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.
Elumelu stated that political actors now deliberately use falsehoods to shape public narratives, adding that the digital age has worsened the spread of misinformation.
“Disinformation is not simply the accidental spread of false information; it is often deliberate, strategic, and politically motivated with a desired outcome,” he stated.
He warned that as the 2027 elections approach, Nigerians will likely witness an increase in fabricated news stories, AI-generated content, doctored videos, manipulated images and false data aimed at inflaming tensions and discrediting individuals and institutions.
Journalists Urged to Remain Professional
Elumelu urged journalists to remain independent and avoid becoming tools in the hands of desperate politicians.
“Journalists must guard against political actors who seek to compromise reports for their selfish reasons,” he said.
“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 also cautioned journalists against sacrificing accuracy in the race to break news quickly.
“In an era where speed often competes with accuracy, the discipline of verification must remain paramount,” Elumelu said.
“The media must never surrender to agents of disinformation. Accuracy should never be sacrificed on the altar of immediacy and speed.”
Call for Stronger Measures Against Disinformation
The former lawmaker called for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle fake news and disinformation in Nigeria. According to him, there is a need for government support for independent fact-checking organisations and stronger regulatory frameworks that protect press freedom.
He also advocated investment in technology capable of detecting deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.
Politicians Advised to Focus on Their Scorecards
Elumelu urged political actors preparing for the 2027 elections to embrace sportsmanship and focus on presenting their achievements and vision to Nigerians instead of spreading falsehood.
“We must act as patriots, imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, and not seek political power by all means,” he said.
“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 to achieve selfish aims.”
He also commended the NUJ for its dedication and resilience in defending democracy and promoting 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 added.