Stakeholders from the political, media, security and public sectors have called for credible elections, responsible journalism, stronger institutions and collective action to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and Lecture Series held on Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State. The event featured discussions on the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”
In his message, Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and professional integrity, warning that misinformation and hate speech could undermine public trust and threaten democratic stability.
The governor stressed the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democratic governance.
The Chairman of the Occasion and Chief Strategist to the Delta State Government, Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, in his address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!”, examined the challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process.
Okubor argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not independently guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral system.
He identified insecurity and its implications for voter participation as major concerns, while drawing attention to the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives. He called for rigorous information verification, responsible digital communication and adherence to professional media standards, alongside greater commitment to democratic principles by political actors.
The Guest Lecturer, Professor Oghenedoro Robert Dode, a Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the interrelationship 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 stressed the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring that citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.
DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging online publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.
He noted 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 the public.
In his goodwill message, Senator Ede 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 constructive discussions on governance and democratic development.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting voters and securing the electoral process.
He disclosed that the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to address security challenges, including kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.
He called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, urging political stakeholders to shun violence and online publishers to avoid sensational reporting and verify information before publication.
Similarly, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, represented by the commission’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State, Mr. Davis Elolred, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
He described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence in the electoral process.
The Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peaceful coexistence, warning that misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability.
He also challenged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Constitution and the Electoral Act to improve public knowledge of electoral processes and citizens’ rights.
The panel discussion featured Dr. Patrick Edema, who examined media accountability; Dr. Norbert Chiazor, who addressed credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the media’s responsibilities; CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu, who highlighted police professionalism and stakeholder cooperation; and legal practitioner Godswill Umahi, Esq., who advocated electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, campaign-finance regulation and digital literacy.
The conference provided a platform for political leaders, media practitioners, security agencies, electoral officials, academics and other stakeholders to examine the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy and the measures required to strengthen electoral integrity and public accountability.
In a vote of thanks, the Chairman of the DOPF 2026 Annual Conference and Lecture Series Planning Committee, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, mnipr, expressed gratitude to God for the successful hosting of the event and appreciated Governor Oborevwori, Dr. Okubor, Professor Dode and other distinguished guests for their presence and contributions.
Ugbolue also commended the DOPF leadership, led by Emmanuel Enebeli, members of the planning committee, media practitioners, political leaders, policymakers, security agencies, academics, sponsors and partners for their support and commitment to the success of the programme.
He expressed the hope that the discussions and ideas generated at the conference would inspire stakeholders to strengthen ethical journalism, professionalism and public service, while promoting electoral integrity, accountability and public trust.
The speakers and discussants agreed that credible elections could not be guaranteed by technology or security agencies alone, but required the collective commitment of political parties, candidates, public institutions, journalists and citizens to uphold the law, reject violence, counter misinformation and protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
