Oborevwori, Okubor, Dafinone, Others Charge Stakeholders On Credible Elections
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis 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.
They made the call 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.
The conference was held 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.
He warned that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability, stressing the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.
The chairman of the occasion and the governor’s Chief Strategist, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, 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 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 adherence to professional media standards, alongside a stronger commitment by political actors to democratic principles.
The guest lecturer, Professor Robert Oghenedoro Dode, a 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.
Dode also stressed the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring that citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.
The DOPF Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism.
He urged online publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and accept responsibility for the content they disseminate.
According to him, the credibility of online media depends on accuracy, fairness and public trust, particularly during politically sensitive periods when unverified reports could inflame tensions and mislead citizens.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Mr 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. He also urged political stakeholders to shun violence and online publishers to verify information and avoid sensational reporting capable of threatening 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 in the electoral process.
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 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 Professor Kemi Emina, featured discussions on media accountability, electoral credibility, voter apathy, insecurity, police professionalism and electoral reforms.
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 the importance of police professionalism and cooperation among stakeholders, while 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 guaranteed by technology or security agencies alone.
They called for a 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.
