Journalists Urged To Resist Political Manipulation Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Hanny Henry

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, journalists have been urged to uphold professionalism and resist attempts by politicians to use the media to undermine the country’s democracy.

The call was made during the 2026 Correspondents’ Day celebration held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Yola.

Speaking at the event, Professor Danjuma Gambo described journalism as a “doorstep to power” and cautioned media practitioners against becoming tools in the hands of power-hungry politicians.

He warned that ongoing political intrigues ahead of the 2027 elections reflect growing confusion that journalists must help the public understand through responsible reporting.

Delivering a lecture titled “The Nigerian Journalists and Democracy: Toward a Free, Fair and Credible Coverage of 2027 Elections,” Gambo emphasized the significance of the upcoming polls, noting that they mark the eighth election cycle since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

He stressed that the elections present a critical opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions.

Also addressing participants, Mohammed Yali, the Head of Operations at INEC, called on journalists to ensure accuracy and professionalism in their reports.

He urged them to verify information, avoid inflammatory language, respect voter confidentiality, and provide balanced access to all political actors.

Representing the Adamawa State Commissioner for Information, Hauwa Banu, Permanent Secretary, commended the Correspondents’ Chapel for organizing the event.

She encouraged journalists to pursue continuous training and to avoid ethnic or religious bias in their reporting, stressing the need for fact-checking to prevent misinformation and public confusion.

On safety concerns, the NUJ Northeast Zonal Vice President, Zare Baba, advised journalists to prioritize their personal security while covering election activities.

 He disclosed that the NUJ is in the process of introducing an insurance policy aimed at protecting journalists, particularly those in private media and correspondents’ groups.

Earlier, Chairman of the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Ibrahim Kado, urged journalists to embrace social responsibility by ensuring accurate reporting and avoiding sensationalism.

The two-day event also featured a medical outreach that benefited over 100 people and a football match. Highlights included the presentation of awards to journalists and other individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the profession and society.