….Raises alarm over fake news threat

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has stressed the need for the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters and other critical stakeholders to uphold democratic values and strengthen the credibility of elections in Nigeria.

The call was made on Thursday by Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU), while delivering the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Guild in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections,” Akhaine said credible elections remain the bedrock of democracy and are essential for ensuring political stability, accountability and good governance.

He noted that the quality of elections is often determined by factors such as the conduct of political parties, the legal framework, electoral institutions, electoral participants and the media.

According to him, while democratic elections are expected to be free, fair and transparent, Nigeria’s electoral history has been characterised by controversies, allegations of manipulation and institutional weaknesses that have often undermined public confidence in the electoral process.

The political scientist traced Nigeria’s electoral journey from the pre-independence period through the First and Second Republics to the current democratic dispensation, highlighting several disputed elections and constitutional crises that shaped the country’s political development.

He referenced controversies surrounding the 1959 elections, the instability that followed the 1964 and 1965 elections, the constitutional dispute over the 1979 presidential election, and other electoral crises that contributed to political tensions in the country.

Akhaine argued that despite Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, many elections conducted during the Fourth Republic had fallen short of acceptable democratic standards.

He cited reports by local and international election observers on the 2003 and 2007 general elections, which pointed to widespread irregularities and shortcomings in the electoral process.

“Since the commencement of the Fourth Republic, we have had several general elections. None of the general elections could be said to have been completely free and fair,” he said.

The lecturer, however, maintained that democracy remains resilient and can be strengthened through institutional reforms, active citizen participation and adherence to constitutional principles.

On the role of the media, Akhaine said the 1999 Constitution places a responsibility on journalists and media organisations to uphold accountability and promote transparency in governance.

Citing Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution, he noted that the media is empowered to hold government accountable while enjoying constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and press freedom.

He urged journalists to remain committed to truth, fairness and professionalism, particularly as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

“The media must stand by the truth and continue to defend press freedom while ensuring that government remains accountable to the people,” he said.

Akhaine also expressed concern over attacks on press freedom, noting that journalists and media organisations have continued to face harassment and intimidation despite constitutional protections.

He further identified the rise of social media, fake news, misinformation and the phenomenon of post-truth politics as major challenges confronting the media in the digital age.

According to him, the proliferation of information online has made it increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between verified facts and falsehoods, thereby placing greater responsibility on journalists to verify information before publication.

“The task of the media in the electoral process is not only to report events but also to moderate the effects of misinformation and information warfare,” he said.

Akhaine commended efforts aimed at strengthening INEC’s capacity and independence, including technological innovations such as electronic transmission of election results and other electoral reforms.

He urged the electoral commission to continue improving transparency and efficiency in election management in order to enhance public trust in the democratic process.

The professor also called for sustained voter education to discourage vote-buying and electoral inducement, stressing that informed citizens are crucial to the conduct of credible elections.

He said voters must make choices based on issues, competence and national interest rather than financial incentives offered during election campaigns.

Akhaine stated that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on the collective commitment of the media, INEC, political actors and the electorate to democratic principles and credible electoral processes.

“If the critical stakeholders play their roles effectively, it is my conviction that Nigeria’s democratic journey will remain on the right course,” he said.