– ABEOKUTA
InsideOut Media Hub can report that as 2027 general elections gears up, political leaders, media professionals, legal practitioners, journalists, content creators, and social media influencers have called for responsible, strategic, and ethical use of digital platforms to strengthen political communication and combat misinformation.
The call was made on Thursday during the Ogun State Progressives New Media Summit held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, where participants deliberated on the theme, “Defending the Truth, Advancing Renewed Hope, and Shaping the Future of Progress for Ogun State with Senator Yayi.”
Delivering the keynote address titled “New Media Imperatives for the 2027 General Elections,” communication consultant Olootu Bolaji Adeniji said the summit was convened to reposition Ogun State’s digital communication ecosystem through collaboration, ethical engagement, capacity building, and value driven messaging.
According to him, the initiative is designed to establish a coordinated online communication structure capable of strengthening public perception, promoting political brands, and deepening engagement between leaders and the electorate.
He explained that the objective is to move beyond mere online visibility by deploying structured communication strategies that convert digital engagement into meaningful public support.
Adeniji also urged political leaders to provide adequate support, motivation, funding, and accessibility to media teams, stressing that effective communication requires investment in skilled professionals.
He further challenged new media practitioners to continually improve their digital competencies by embracing creativity 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 existing laws provide sanctions for such offences.
He advised content creators to verify facts before making allegations against individuals, adding that both the original publisher and those who republish defamatory materials could be held liable under the law.
Adekoya cautioned against using social media for blackmail, fake news, and character assassination, emphasizing that freedom of expression does not extend to defamation.
He cited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as an example, noting that while the President has publicly stated that he no longer pays attention to social media attacks, other public office holders may choose to pursue legal action against defamatory publications.
Former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, encouraged public office holders to utilise social media beyond electioneering by consistently communicating government policies, programmes, and achievements to the public.
She also urged digital communicators to become pacesetters in breaking news promptly rather than depending solely on conventional media organisations.
Also speaking, veteran journalist and Publisher of Gateway Times, Dayo Rufai, called on social media influencers to leverage their platforms in projecting government achievements and developmental initiatives.
He observed that government communication continues to evolve and stressed the need for digital communicators to maximise online platforms in promoting policies and programmes that positively impact citizens.
Earlier 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 platform aimed at uniting progressive digital communicators across Ogun State.
He said the summit was organised to connect, inspire, and equip participants with the necessary skills to combat misinformation while effectively communicating the achievements of progressive administrations.
Oloyede noted that Ogun State remains one of Nigeria’s leading states in political social media engagement, urging practitioners to move beyond routine posting to strategic digital influence that counters falsehood with facts and projects verifiable government accomplishments.
He also called for greater unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), urging members to work collectively in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, sustaining the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun, and mobilising support for Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment to ethical conduct, professionalism, collaboration, and continuous capacity building as key pillars for strengthening political communication and promoting the responsible use of new media in Nigeria’s democratic process.
