As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, 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, Governor Oborevwori, represented by 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, Professor 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.

DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.

He stressed that the credibility of online media depended on accuracy, fairness and public trust, particularly during politically sensitive periods when unverified reports could inflame tensions and mislead citizens.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, reinforced the need for peaceful elections, institutional cooperation and responsible communication.

Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and urged journalists to promote accountability, counter misinformation and uphold truth and fairness.

He commended DOPF for providing a platform for discussions on governance and democratic development.

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting voters and securing elections.

He said the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.

Erale called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, while urging political stakeholders to avoid violence and online publishers to verify information and shun sensational reporting capable of breaching public peace.

Umoren, represented by INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State, Mr Davis Elolred, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act. He described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence.

Ifeajika urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability. He also challenged journalists to deepen their knowledge of the Constitution and Electoral Act to improve public understanding of electoral processes and citizens’ rights.