2026 DOPF Lecture: Oborevwori, Okubor, Dafinone, Others Charges Stakeholders On Credible Elections

Ogheneruona Tejiri, Asaba

Journalists as well as other major stakeholders have been called upon to put all hands on deck for a credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutional accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

This call was made by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, Chief Strategist to the Governor, Senator Ede Dafinone and others at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series in Asaba, Delta State with the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In his message Governor Oborevwori, represented by Dr. ifeanyi Osuoza, Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House)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.

Rt. Hon. Oborevwori emphasised the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.

In his speech, titled. Democracy Under Pressure: When The Ballot, The Bullet and The Phone Compete For Power,” Dr. Okubor, Chairman of the ceremony
argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not, on their own, 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.

Dr. Okubor called for rigorous verification, responsible digital communication and professional media standards, alongside greater commitment by political actors to democratic principles.

Delivering his lecture, Prof. Dode R. Oghenedoro, Guest lecturer and Professor of Political Science and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba examined the relationship between electoral integrity, security and media accountability.

Prof. Dode emphasised the need for independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding public officials accountable.

He also underscored the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.

In his welcome address, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman, Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) reaffirmed the Forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, he called on online publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.

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

Senator 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.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, while urging political stakeholders to avoid violence and online publishers to verify information and shun sensational reporting capable of breaching public peace.

The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Umoren who was represented by Mr. Davis Eldred, INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act.

The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence.

In his goodwill message, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and 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.

The panel session, Moderated by Professor Kemi Emina, featured Dr Patrick Edema, who examined media accountability; Dr Norbert Chiazor, who addressed credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the media’s responsibilities; CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu, who highlighted police professionalism and stakeholder cooperation; and 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 secured by technology or security agencies alone.

They called for 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.