As preparations for the 2027 general elections gathering momentum, political leaders, media professionals, legal practitioners, journalists, content creators and social media influencers have called for ethical, strategic and coordinated use of digital platforms to promote credible political communication, combat misinformation and galvanise support for the governorship aspiration of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi) in Ogun State.
The call was made on Thursday at the Ogun State Progressives New Media Summit held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta. The summit, themed “Defending the Truth, Advancing Renewed Hope and Shaping the Future of Progress for Ogun State with Senator Yayi,” brought together members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), digital communicators and media stakeholders to strategise on effective online engagement ahead of the next election cycle.
In his welcome address, the Convener of the summit and Special Assistant on New Media to Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), Omooba Damilare Oloyede, described the gathering as a strategic initiative to unite progressive digital communicators across Ogun State in support of the APC, the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the political vision of Senator Adeola.
He said the summit was conceived to build a coordinated network of responsible digital advocates capable of projecting factual information, countering misinformation and strengthening public engagement through ethical communication.
Delivering the keynote address titled “New Media Imperatives for the 2027 General Elections,” communication consultant Olootu Bolaji Adeniji said the initiative was designed to reposition Ogun State’s digital communication ecosystem through collaboration, capacity building, ethical engagement and value-driven messaging.
According to him, the objective is to establish a structured online communication framework that would strengthen public perception, deepen interaction between political leaders and citizens, and transform digital engagement into meaningful grassroots support.
Adeniji urged political leaders to invest in their media teams by providing adequate funding, motivation and access to information, stressing that effective political communication depends on skilled professionals equipped with the right tools.
He also challenged new media practitioners to improve their competencies by embracing creativity, data-driven communication and emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence.
“Content remains king. Every content creator must understand the audience, identify their needs and provide information that is credible, relevant and valuable,” he said.
Speaking on the legal implications of online communication, legal practitioner Hon. Adebayo Adekoya warned social media users against publishing false or defamatory content, noting that Nigerian laws prescribe sanctions for such offences.
He advised content creators to verify information before publication, explaining that both original publishers and those who republish defamatory materials could be held liable under the law.
Adekoya cautioned against using digital platforms for blackmail, fake news and character assassination, maintaining that while freedom of expression is guaranteed, it does not extend to defamation.
He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example of a public official who has publicly downplayed social media attacks, while noting that other public office holders may seek legal redress against defamatory publications.
Former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, urged elected officials and political office holders to sustain communication with the public beyond election periods by consistently highlighting government policies, programmes and achievements.
She also encouraged digital communicators to be proactive in breaking credible news and setting the agenda, rather than relying solely on conventional media outlets.
Veteran journalist and Publisher of Gateway Times, Dayo Rufai, challenged social media influencers to deploy their platforms in projecting government achievements and developmental initiatives, noting that digital media has become a critical tool for governance and public engagement.
The summit featured interactive sessions on political messaging, digital communication strategies, ethical social media engagement and combating fake news, with participants pledging to utilise their platforms responsibly in promoting credible information, strengthening democratic values and advancing the APC’s communication objectives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
