By George Ozalla
Concerns over fake news and disinformation dominated discussions on Tuesday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, during the 2026 Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council.
The event, themed “2027 Elections: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” drew journalists, security officials, diplomats, media executives and government representatives, with calls for stricter adherence to ethical reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among those present were former Inspector-General of Police, Sir Mike Okiro; former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu; and Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Mohammed Uba, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Inspector-General of Police led by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, senior military officers, journalists, civil society actors and members of the diplomatic corps.
Okiro, who was decorated as Grand Patron of the NUJ FCT Council, said journalists must remain firm in their responsibility to the public.
“The media remains central to democracy. At a time when false information spreads fast, journalists must stay committed to truth and fairness,” he said.
He warned against the use of journalism for political ends, urging practitioners to maintain professional discipline in their reporting.
Elumelu, who delivered the keynote address, described disinformation as a growing danger to democratic systems.
“The credibility of information determines the strength of any democracy. Once falsehood takes hold, institutions begin to lose public trust,” he said.
He urged journalists to focus on accuracy and verification, especially as political activities increase ahead of the elections.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, Major General Samaila Mohammed Uba said the Armed Forces value the role of the media in national stability.
He said the military remains committed to working with journalists but cautioned that unverified reports could affect security operations and public confidence.
“The Armed Forces see the media as partners in national cohesion. But reports must be accurate and properly verified,” he said.
He called for sustained cooperation between the media and security agencies in the national interest.
Chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said journalism remains central to democratic governance and accountability.
She said the council would continue to defend press freedom and push for improved welfare for journalists.
“We have a duty to keep our work rooted in truth and responsibility,” she said.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie assured continued collaboration between the police and the media in strengthening national security and public communication.
The event also featured the unveiling of the NUJ FCT Council magazine, The Capital Voice, and the presentation of awards to individuals recognized for contributions to media development and public service.
