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By Our Correspondent 

ASABA — Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his Chief Strategist, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, Senator Ede Dafinone and other stakeholders have called for credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutional accountability ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The call was made on Wednesday at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series, held at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In his message, Governor 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 in their reportage.

He warned that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability, stressing that credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication were essential to strengthening democracy.

The governor’s position was reinforced by Okubor, who chaired the occasion and delivered 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 the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not independently guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

He identified insecurity and its impact on voter participation as major threats to electoral credibility, while raising concerns about the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives.

He called for rigorous verification of information, responsible digital communication and adherence to professional media standards, urging political actors to demonstrate a stronger commitment to democratic principles.

In his lecture, 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.

The guest lecturer 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 accept responsibility for the content they disseminate.

He said 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 citizens.

In a 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.

Dafinone commended DOPF for providing a platform for discussions on governance and democratic development, particularly as the country prepares for another general election cycle.

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 said the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.

The police commissioner 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 capable of undermining public peace.

Similarly, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, represented by INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in the state, Mr Davis Elolred, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act.

Umoren described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence as critical elements of credible elections.

The Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and the 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.

At the panel session, Dr Patrick Edema examined media accountability, while Dr Norbert Chiazor addressed credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the media’s responsibilities.

CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu highlighted police professionalism and stakeholder cooperation, while legal practitioner, Godswill Umahi, advocated electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, campaign-finance regulation and digital literacy.

The conference attracted 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 guaranteed by technology or security agencies alone, stressing that the responsibility rested on political parties, candidates, public institutions, journalists and citizens.

They called for collective commitment to upholding the law, rejecting electoral violence, combating misinformation and protecting the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.