DOPF Lecture: Oborevwori, Dafinone, Okubor Warn Against Electoral Manipulation

…Warn against misinformation, insecurity, electoral malpractice

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Senator Ede Dafinone and the governor’s Chief Strategist, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, have warned that insecurity, misinformation and weak institutional accountability pose serious threats to credible elections ahead of the 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 at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State.

The conference, with the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria,” brought together political leaders, security officials, electoral administrators, journalists and other stakeholders to examine challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy.

In his message, Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza, urged online publishers and other media practitioners to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and professional integrity.

He warned that misinformation and hate speech could undermine public confidence, heighten political tensions and threaten democratic stability.

The governor stressed the need for credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication as essential ingredients for strengthening democratic governance.

Chairman of the occasion and the governor’s Chief Strategist, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, in an address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!” said technology alone could not guarantee credible elections.

He argued that the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) must be backed by transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

Okubor identified insecurity and its effect on voter participation as major challenges, warning that social media and artificial intelligence-generated content were increasingly influencing political narratives.

He called on journalists and online publishers to strengthen verification procedures, promote responsible digital communication and adhere strictly to professional standards.

The governor’s strategist also urged political actors to demonstrate greater commitment to democratic principles, noting that electoral credibility required more than technological innovations.

Guest lecturer, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro, a Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the connections between electoral integrity, security and media accountability.

He advocated independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding public officials accountable.

Oghenedoro also stressed the need to protect journalists and guarantee an environment in which citizens could exercise their voting rights without intimidation.

Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and accept responsibility for the material 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 mislead citizens and inflame tensions.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, called for peaceful elections, institutional cooperation and responsible communication.

Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, described the media as a critical pillar of democracy and urged journalists to promote accountability, counter misinformation and uphold truth and fairness.

He commended DOPF for creating a platform for constructive 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 the electoral process.

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

The police commissioner called for greater cooperation among security agencies, political actors, journalists and citizens, while warning political stakeholders against violence.

He also urged online publishers to verify information and avoid sensational reports capable of threatening public peace.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, 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 collective responsibility and emphasised transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence in the electoral process.

Ifeajika urged political actors to place national interest and peace above partisan considerations, warning that misinformation and the manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability.

He challenged journalists to deepen their understanding of the Constitution and Electoral Act to improve public awareness of electoral procedures and citizens’ rights.

At the panel session moderated by Professor Kemi Emina, Dr Patrick Edema examined media accountability, while Dr Norbert Chiazor spoke on credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the responsibilities of the media.

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

The conference attracted representatives of the Delta State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, INEC, political institutions and the media.

The speakers and discussants agreed that technology and security agencies alone could not guarantee credible elections.

They called for a collective commitment by political parties, candidates, public institutions, journalists and citizens to uphold the law, reject electoral violence, combat misinformation and protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.