Delta State Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has called for credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutional accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series, held on Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”
In his message Governor Oborevwori, represented by Dr. ifeanyi Osuoza, Hon Commissioner for Special Duties (Govt House) urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and professional integrity, warning that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability. He emphasised the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.
On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, followed with an address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!”
Okubor argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not, on their own, guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.
The former Delta State Commissioner for Health and Information warned against hasty publication as a means of news breaking and alarm manufacturing, urging publishers to purse, verify before forwarding.
He identified insecurity and its impact on voter participation as major concerns, while warning about the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives. He called for rigorous verification, responsible digital communication and professional media standards, alongside greater commitment by political actors to democratic principles.
Guest lecturer, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro, Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the relationship 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 underscored the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.
Earlier in the event, the DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, set the stage rolling by welcoming all participants to another yet promising annual lecture series. He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.
He stressed 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 misleadà I’ll citizens.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, reinforced the need for peaceful elections, institutional cooperation and responsible communication.
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 discussions on governance and democratic development.
The Commissioner of Police, represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting voters and securing elections. He said the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.
He called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, while urging political stakeholders to avoid violence and online publishers to verify information and shun sensational reporting capable of breaching public peace.
Umoren, represented by INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State, Mr Davis Eldred, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act. He described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence.
Ifeajika urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability. He also challenged journalists to deepen their knowledge of the Constitution and Electoral Act to improve public understanding of electoral processes and citizens’ rights.
The panel session moderated by Prof Kemi Emina 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, advocated electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, campaign-finance regulation and digital literacy.
The conference brought together stakeholders from the political, security, media and public sectors, including representatives of the Delta State Police Command, INEC and the Delta State Government.
The speakers and discussants agreed that credible elections could not be secured by technology or security agencies alone. They called for collective commitment by 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.
