The International Press Center, IPC, has charged journalists and media organisations in Nigeria to prioritise professional standards, democratic accountability, and issue-based reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The call was made in Kano during an interface with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, editors and publishers, organised by IPC under Component 4, Support to Media, of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria, EU-SDGN III Programme.
The engagement focused on professional and Democratic Accountability in journalism ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the Executive Director of IPC, Dr. Lanre Arogundade, the IT and Social Media Officer of the Center, Mr. Abiodun Adeleke said the engagement was timely as Nigeria gradually approached another election cycle.
He stressed the need for journalists to reflect on their responsibilities and strengthen their capacity to provide credible, balanced, and public interest information to the citizens.
Mr. Adeleke noted that elections go beyond political campaigns, rallies, and announcement of results, explaining that they also involve citizens’ aspirations, concerns, and expectations of leadership.
According to him, the media has a strategic responsibility to facilitate informed public discourse, scrutinise political promises, hold public officials accountable, and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard in the democratic process.
He warned that sensationalism, unverified claims, inflammatory rhetoric, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation could undermine public confidence, deepen social divisions, and weaken democratic institutions.
Mr. Adeleke, therefore, urged journalists to move beyond event-driven political coverage and embrace more substantive reporting that examines issues affecting citizens, such as the economy, education, healthcare, security, employment, and infrastructure.
He also emphasised the need for greater visibility of women, young people, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups in electoral discourse.
In Kano
Wasilah Ladan Reporting for Radio Nigeria