A member of the House of Representatives and prominent political figure, Rt. Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, has raised a strong alarm over the rapid proliferation of fake news and digital manipulation, warning that unchecked disinformation poses a critical threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during an interactive session with the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the federal lawmaker urged media practitioners, digital content creators, and political actors to exercise the highest level of professional responsibility. Elumelu noted that as political maneuvering intensifies across the country, malicious actors are increasingly weaponizing false narratives to manipulate public perception, inflame ethnic sentiments, and distort the political playing field.
To combat this rising trend, Elumelu called on mainstream media organizations to aggressively strengthen their in-house fact-checking desks and reject the temptation of sensationalism for online clicks. Emphasizing that credible information serves as the foundational bedrock of any enduring democracy, he remarked:
“We are approaching a critical junction in our political history, and the media must stand as the first line of defense against forces seeking to destabilize our nation through deliberate falsehoods. Journalists must uphold ethical standards, verify sources rigorously, and protect the public space from toxic manipulation.”
Reaffirming his long-standing commitment to the welfare of media professionals and the defense of press freedom, Elumelu announced a financial donation of ₦5 million to support the programs and welfare initiatives of the NUJ. He urged the union to utilize its structures to weed out “quacks” and untrained practitioners who abuse digital spaces, ensuring that the Nigerian press remains an objective umpire and a trusted source of truth for citizens as the 2027 political cycle takes shape.
