House of Representatives member Ndudi Elumelu has warned against the growing spread of disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that fake narratives could threaten Nigeria’s democracy if left unchecked.
Speaking on Tuesday during the 2026 Press Week in Abuja themed, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” the lawmaker urged journalists, media organisations, and political actors to promote responsible communication and credible reporting as political activities begin to intensify.
Elumelu stressed that media platforms must be more careful about the individuals they give public attention to, insisting that proper background checks and credibility assessments are necessary before granting interviews or airtime.
“Just recently, a certain individual went on air to spread unfounded information aimed at misleading well-meaning Nigerians, including myself,” he said. “But what he said was false and the truth was glaring to Nigerians.
The lawmaker warned that the increasing circulation of misinformation, fake news, and manipulated narratives could distort public opinion and weaken democratic processes ahead of the elections.
“The media must ascertain the background, knowledge and integrity of individuals before inviting them or granting them interviews,” he added.
Elumelu also called on politicians to avoid desperate tactics in their quest for power, urging members of the political class to reject propaganda, lies, and manipulation during campaigns.
“As we approach the 2027 election, I urge the political class not to seek power by all means instead of spreading falsehood to achieve falsehood,” he stated.
He further highlighted the critical role of the media in protecting democracy through ethical journalism, accurate fact-checking, and responsible reporting, noting that credible information remains essential in building public trust and strengthening democratic institutions across the country.
