Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has called on Nigerian editors to be pillars of democracy, national unity, and electoral integrity as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the 2025 All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) held in Abuja, Uzodinma said editors possess great influence in shaping public opinion and safeguarding democratic values.
He noted that the conference theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” and sub-theme, “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,” reflect the crucial role of the media in protecting democracy.
Without electoral integrity, there can be no democracy. Electoral integrity is the foundation of good governance,” he said.
Uzodinma stressed the importance of truth and fairness in journalism, adding:
Objectivity does not mean neutrality. Every editorial choice and every voice given prominence carries meaning and consequence.
He urged journalists to prioritize accuracy over speed and verification over rumours, noting that “the pen is mightier than the sword” when it comes to nation-building.
The governor expressed concern over the decline in public trust in the media, citing the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, which revealed that only 51% of Nigerians trust the media.
Nearly half of Nigerians distrust the media — this is a serious institutional crisis.
Uzodinma warned that sensational election coverage could fuel division and weaken democracy, adding that when falsehood and tribalism dominate journalism, electoral integrity is lost even before the first vote is cast.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to strengthen national unity and combat misinformation through strategic communication platforms like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and ministeria
You are not spectators in 2027 — the stories you tell will determine whether Nigerians approach the elections with hope or despair.
