2027 elections: Sanwo-Olu urges media to uphold professionalism

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday urged the media to uphold professionalism, verify information and combat misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sanwo-Olu spoke as the special guest speaker at the seventh annual lecture organised by Freedom Online, with the theme, “2027 Elections, Economy, Security and Nigeria’s Future.”

He said the media had a critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy by providing citizens with credible information and holding political actors accountable. He urged journalists and media organisations to scrutinise information circulating on social media, particularly as the use of artificial intelligence increases.

“The most dangerous information will not come from newspapers. It will come from anonymous accounts and doctored videos. You are the institution best placed to review, analyse, criticise and verify this information,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor also urged the media to report the challenges confronting the country while highlighting policies and initiatives capable of driving development. He linked insecurity with economic development, saying sustainable growth could not be achieved in an environment where citizens and businesses were unsafe.

Sanwo-Olu said governments at all levels must create an environment that attracts investment, supports businesses and provides opportunities for young Nigerians. He added that job creation remained one of the most effective ways to empower citizens and reduce social vulnerabilities.

On fuel subsidy removal, the governor said the decision was driven by the need to address what he described as an unsustainable burden on the nation’s finances. He urged Nigerians to continue engaging constructively in the democratic process, saying the 2027 elections should further consolidate the country’s democratic experience.

Meanwhile, addressing attendees, the former Governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, said Nigeria’s political and economic challenges required collective efforts and constructive engagement among stakeholders. In his remarks, the convener and Publisher of Freedom Online, Gabriel Akinadewo, said the annual lecture provided a platform for stakeholders to examine critical national issues and proffer solutions, adding that the theme reflected the need to consider the links among elections, the economy, security and Nigeria’s future.