Oborevwori, Dafinone, Okunbor, others call for credible elections

As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged media organisations to prioritise accuracy, fairness and fact-checking, and resist sensationalism and disinformation.

Idris, however, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to press freedom, constructive engagement and journalists’ right to scrutinise public institutions, warning that AI-generated content, manipulated images and deepfakes pose growing threats to public trust.

“The credibility of our democratic process depends, in no small measure, on the integrity of the information available to citizens.”

In a keynote address during the launch of “Media Trust Group AI Converged Newsroom” – publisher of the Daily Trust Newspapers, yesterday, Idris encouraged the Media Trust Group to make the converged newsroom a centre of innovation, investigative excellence and responsible storytelling.

According to the minister, the idea that journalism has to be exclusively adversarial is a myth that needs to be jettisoned. Journalism could inspire the public while retaining its independence and critical role.

Idris commended the Media Trust Group for the unveiling of its converged newsroom as a significant investment in Nigerian journalism, urging media organisations to embrace artificial intelligence and digital innovation without compromising professional ethics and editorial independence.

MEANWHILE, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his Chief Strategist, Dr Festus Okubor, Senator Ede Dafinone, and other stakeholders have called for credible elections, responsible journalism, and stronger institutional accountability.

They made the call at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series, held in Asaba, with the theme “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

Speaking on behalf of Oborevwori, the Commissioner for Special Duties (Govt House), Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance, and professional integrity, warning that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability.

He emphasised the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr Festus Okubor, argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not, on their own, guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

In his address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!” Okubor identified insecurity and its impact on voter participation as major concerns, while warning about the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives.

He called for rigorous verification, responsible digital communication and professional media standards, alongside greater commitment by political actors to democratic principles.

Guest lecturer, Prof. Dode Robert Oghenedoro, Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the relationship between electoral integrity, security and media accountability.

He emphasised the need for independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding public officials accountable. He also underscored the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.