The Chief of Defence Staff, political office holders and other dignitaries at the just concluded NUJ Press Week lecture in Abuja have stressed the need for ethical and responsible journalism as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Speakers at the event warned that misinformation, fake narratives and sensational reporting could weaken public trust, heighten political tension and threaten democratic stability.
Across the world, the erosion of ethical standards in journalism has continued to fuel division, distrust and the spread of disinformation.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the lecture was organised to examine emerging threats to democracy and proffer solutions to the growing challenge of false information in the media space.
The Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police, both represented at the event, described disinformation as one of the major threats confronting democratic institutions and national security.
Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Ndudi Elumelu, urged journalists to uphold factual, balanced and responsible reporting, especially during politically sensitive periods.
The lecture, themed: “2027 Elections: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” focused on strengthening credible journalism and reinforcing the media’s role in protecting democratic accountability in Nigeria.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
