DOPF 2026 Lecture: Oborevwori, Okubor, Dafinone Demand Credible Elections Ahead Of 2027

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his Chief Strategist, Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, Senator Ede Dafinone and other stakeholders have called for credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series held Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, Asaba, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In his message, Governor Oborevwori, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties (Government House), Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza, urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness and balance, warning that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability.

Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Okubor, in his address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!” argued that BVAS and IReV cannot guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence.

He identified insecurity and voter apathy as major concerns, warning about the influence of social media and AI-generated content in shaping political narratives.

Guest lecturer, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro of Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), emphasised the need for independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding officials accountable.

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DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information and preserve editorial independence, especially in politically sensitive periods.

In his goodwill message, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central, described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and urged journalists to promote accountability and counter misinformation.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed commitment to protecting voters, saying the command is strengthening intelligence-led and technology-driven policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism and cybercrime. He urged political actors to shun violence and publishers to avoid sensationalism.

Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, represented by INEC Administrative Secretary, Mr. Davis Eldred, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting elections in line with the Constitution and Electoral Act, describing electoral security as a shared responsibility.

Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, warned that misinformation could threaten national security and challenged journalists to deepen knowledge of the Constitution and Electoral Act.

The panel session, moderated by Prof. Kemi Emina, featured Dr. Patrick Edema, Dr. Norbert Chiazor, CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu and legal practitioner, Godswill Umahi Esq, who advocated electoral reforms, institutional independence and digital literacy.

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Speakers agreed that credible elections cannot be secured by technology or security agencies alone and called for collective commitment to reject violence and protect electoral integrity ahead of 2027.