By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, Nov. 4, 2026
Abia Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, has urged journalists to prioritise truth and verification over speed and sensationalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Kanu made the call on Wednesday at the opening of the 2026 Media Retreat/Press Week organised by the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia Council, in Umuahia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat’s theme is: ‘The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls’.
Kanu commended the chapel for choosing a theme addressing the growing weaponisation of information.
He described journalism as a bridge between government and citizens, as well as a watchdog responsible for holding public institutions accountable.
The commissioner, however, warned that press freedom did not confer the right to distort facts, misrepresent issues or manufacture narratives against government.
He said journalism’s future belonged to practitioners who verified information thoroughly, rather than those who published first or generated the loudest headlines.
Kanu warned that artificial intelligence could generate fake images, impersonate personalities and manufacture audio recordings to manipulate public opinion.
“I therefore urge journalists in Abia State to embrace continuous professional development, digital literacy, investigative reporting, fact-checking and responsible application of emerging technologies.
“The modern journalist must be more than a good writer or an excellent broadcaster.
“He or she must be a critical thinker, a digital investigator, a responsible storyteller and a guardian of public trust,” he said.
Also speaking, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abia, Prof. Sylvia Agu, described the media as an indispensable electoral partner.
Agu said the 2027 elections would not be determined solely at polling units but also through public perception, information and trust.
She said media representations of the electoral process could either strengthen or undermine public confidence in INEC.
The REC identified public distrust as a major challenge facing the commission, saying its difficulties would diminish when Nigerians trusted the electoral system.
She described the 2027 elections as a defining moment for Nigeria, with technology serving as both an enabler and a potential threat.
Agu said the Electoral Act 2026 would guide the electoral process, adding that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had helped resolve challenges during previous elections.
She explained that BVAS could expose electoral manipulation where recorded votes exceeded the number of accredited voters.
The REC said the technology helped protect the integrity of the 2023 elections in Abia and ensured Gov. Alex Otti’s victory.
She cited Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act, which provides for mandatory electronic transmission of polling-unit results from Form EC8A to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
According to her, Section 60(6) prescribes six months’ imprisonment or a N500,000 fine for anyone frustrating the transmission process.
Agu also warned that Sections 92 to 97 criminalised publishing false statements intended to discredit politicians or the electoral process.
Earlier, former Secretary to the Abia Government, Chief Ralph Egbu, urged journalists to resist misinformation, disinformation and propaganda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Egbu said journalists must remain accountable, uphold ethical standards and investigate government activities rather than depend on press statements and rumours.
He lamented the declining credibility of the media, asking: “Who will watch the watchdog? The watchdog is severely wounded?”
He urged practitioners to return to verification, fairness and balance to rebuild public confidence in journalism.
Earlier, Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, Mr Steve Oko, said the three-day retreat was organised to strengthen journalists’ professional capacity.
He said the programme would equip practitioners with skills for accurate, balanced, verified and responsible coverage of the 2027 general elections.
Oko added that the retreat would prepare Abia journalists to counter fake news and cover the elections professionally and without bias.
