Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has urged the Nigerian media to intensify efforts to combat fake news, sensationalism and inflammatory reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mohammed gave the charge on Thursday while chairing the 7th Freedom Online Yearly Lecture at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme, “2027 Elections: Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”
He warned that irresponsible media coverage during election periods could worsen existing political and social tensions by amplifying fear and deepening ethnic, religious and regional divisions.
According to him, the media has a major influence on public perception, economic confidence and national security, making responsible journalism particularly important as the country approaches another election cycle.
“During a campaign season, media reporting directly shapes public perception, economic confidence and national security,” he said.
Mohammed called for journalism that is critical and robust without being destructive, stressing that press freedom must be matched by responsibility.
He urged journalists to shift the focus of election reporting from ethnic and partisan sentiments to issues of policy, competence and practical solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
The former minister also linked Nigeria’s economic prospects to security, arguing that businesses and investors could not thrive in an environment characterised by uncertainty and insecurity.
He said political stability was equally dependent on economic inclusion, noting that young people with access to employment and opportunities would be less vulnerable to political manipulation and electoral violence.
On the 2027 elections, Mohammed said the exercise should be viewed beyond a struggle for political power and instead treated as an opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and advance nation-building.
He said electoral outcomes should contribute to institutional development, investor confidence and peace in communities rather than undermine governance.
Mohammed acknowledged the economic and security challenges confronting the Federal Government, saying the problems could not be resolved overnight and would require consistency, patience, stronger institutions and cooperation among Nigerians.
He also said the administration’s efforts to stabilise the economy, attract investment, improve security and create a foundation for sustainable growth deserved constructive engagement from stakeholders.
The former minister commended Freedom Online for sustaining its annual lecture series, describing the platform as an avenue for national reflection and intellectual engagement.
The lecture was attended by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, former Ogun State Governor and Senator Gbenga Daniel, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, Freedom Online Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Gabriel Akinadewo, media executives, business leaders and other stakeholders.
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