By Chioma Vivian James
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has urged media professionals to uphold factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive reporting, warning that misinformation and inflammatory narratives could worsen insecurity and threaten democratic stability.
Speaking during the Press Week Lecture and Awards Ceremony organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Abuja, the defence chief stressed that the media plays a crucial role not only in informing citizens but also in shaping national unity, public trust, and the country’s security landscape.
Represented by senior military officer Samaila Uba, Oluyede said journalists occupy a strategic position in the nation’s democratic process, particularly at a time when terrorism, banditry, cyber propaganda, and political disinformation continue to evolve alongside digital technology.
The event, themed “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Misinformation,” brought together journalists, security officials, media executives, civil society actors, and public officials to deliberate on the increasing dangers posed by fake news, manipulated content, and divisive political messaging.
Addressing participants, the CDS described the relationship between the military and the media as one built on shared national responsibility rather than institutional convenience. According to him, while the armed forces are tasked with defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and combating security threats, the media controls the information ecosystem that shapes public perception and influences social stability.
“The media remains a critical pillar of our democracy and a vital instrument for national cohesion, public enlightenment, and accountability,” he stated.
He noted that modern conflicts are no longer fought only on physical battlefields, but increasingly within the information space, where narratives spread rapidly through television, radio, newspapers, blogs, and social media platforms.
“In pursuit of this duty across various theatres of operation, we have come to recognise more than ever that the press is a partner to the military in the collective effort to build a safe, stable, and prosperous nation. This partnership is not one of convenience but of necessity,” he said.
Oluyede warned that irresponsible journalism, sensational reporting, and the circulation of unverified information could embolden criminal networks and heighten public fear, especially in periods of political tension.
According to him, terrorist groups, bandits, and purveyors of disinformation often exploit media attention and digital platforms to spread fear, manipulate narratives, and undermine public confidence in state institutions.
“When reporting is factual, balanced, and conflict-sensitive, it denies oxygen to terrorism, banditry, and disinformation. It builds trust between the armed forces and the people we serve,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing national concern over the spread of fake news, hate speech, and digitally altered content as political actors begin positioning themselves ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts have repeatedly cautioned that unchecked misinformation and divisive rhetoric could inflame ethnic, religious, and political tensions across the country.
The CDS therefore called on journalists and media organisations to recommit themselves to professional ethics by prioritising verification, fairness, and accuracy in their reports.
“In this digital age where a single tweet can travel faster than a battalion, the ethical responsibility of the press has never been greater,” he said.
“I urge you to continue to verify before you publish, to prioritise national interests without sacrificing truth, and to give voice to the sacrifices of our troops who stand in harm’s way so that others may live in peace.”
Oluyede also acknowledged the sacrifices made by journalists working under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions, particularly those covering conflict zones, political unrest, and security operations. He commended members of the press for their resilience and patriotism, describing responsible journalism as indispensable to democratic growth and national development.
Earlier in her remarks, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the press week served as a moment of reflection for journalists to reassess the challenges confronting the media profession, especially in an era dominated by social media algorithms, digital propaganda, and declining public trust in information.
“As we move closer to the 2027 general elections, the media must remain vigilant, responsible, and courageous in the face of misinformation, fake news, propaganda, and deliberate attempts to distort public opinion,” she said.
Ike stressed that journalists must continue to defend truth, strengthen accountability, and protect the credibility of the democratic process despite mounting pressures from political actors and online misinformation campaigns.
She added that the future of Nigeria’s democracy would depend significantly on the ability of the media to remain independent, ethical, and committed to public-interest journalism.
The event also featured panel discussions on electoral integrity, press freedom, ethical standards in political reporting, and the growing impact of digital media on national security. Participants highlighted the urgent need for stronger fact-checking mechanisms, media literacy campaigns, and collaboration between journalists, security agencies, and technology platforms to counter false narratives ahead of the elections.