The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, Mr. Akeem Abas, has charged journalists to move decisively beyond event-driven reporting to issue-based, citizen-centered journalism as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Abas gave the charge in his remarks at the IPC interface with journalists on the 2027 electoral process held in Ibadan.
The two-day programme was organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN III) project.
He said the engagement demonstrates a shared determination to strengthen journalism and deepen democratic accountability.
The Oyo NUJ Chairman commended the IPC for convening the timely forum and for preparing journalists for the vital responsibility ahead.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, we must move decisively beyond event-driven reporting to issue-based, citizen-centered journalism,” he said.
According to him, the duty of journalists is not to merely follow political rallies, defections, and campaign promises, but to interrogate candidates’ manifestos, test political claims against facts, and track campaign promises against measurable government action.
Abas noted that citizens deserve reliable information about the issues that shape their daily lives—security, education, healthcare, unemployment, and the economy—stressing that journalism must lead in that direction.
He said credible reporting begins with credible verification, adding that journalists must strengthen fact-checking and verification to confront misinformation, disinformation, and fake news.
“Speed must never defeat accuracy; sensationalism must never replace substance; and political interests must never compromise professional judgement,” he warned.
The chairman also stressed the need for conflict-sensitive reporting, urging journalists to use language that encourages peaceful participation and does not inflame tensions.
“Our coverage must hold every political actor accountable—without fear or favor. Our credibility is our greatest asset. Once lost, it is difficult to recover; therefore, we must defend it through unwavering adherence to professional ethics,” Abas stated.
Speaking on the activities of the Oyo State Council, Abas said his administration remains firmly committed to professionalism, ethical standards, and the welfare of journalists.
He said the council has promoted capacity building in digital journalism and artificial intelligence, encouraged responsible reporting and fact-checking, and advocated fairness, editorial independence, and compliance with the NUJ Code of Ethics.
“We continue to support professional development, constructive engagement with media chapels, and stronger institutional unity. Our conviction is clear: a well-trained, ethical, and adequately supported journalist is better equipped to serve the public interest,” he said.
Abas sincerely appreciated the IPC, under the leadership of Mr. Lanre Arogundade, for its sustained contributions to press freedom, media development, and democratic accountability, noting that he feels elated that a fact-checking platform will be created to support credible reporting.
He said the union values the partnership and its commitment to equipping journalists with the skills required for credible electoral reporting.
He urged every participating journalist to seize the opportunity to listen to citizens, identify their priority concerns, amplify their voices, and deploy accountability scorecards to assess political promises and monitor government performance.
“When the IPC, NUJ, NAWOJ, and media organisations work together, we can make the media a stronger force for transparent, responsive, and accountable governance,” he added.
In recognition of his contributions to press freedom and professional journalism, Abas announced plans to honour Mr. Lanre Arogundade at the grand finale of the NUJ Oyo State Council’s 60th anniversary celebration on November 7, 2026, in Ibadan.
He said the Diamond Jubilee celebration is themed “Oyo NUJ @ 60: Celebrating the Past, Defending the Present, and Shaping the Future.”
Abas concluded with a call to action for journalists to approach the 2027 electoral process with courage, fairness, accuracy, and professionalism.
“Let us put citizens at the center of our reporting. Let us verify every claim, follow every promise, and scrutinise every performance. Let us remember that our duty is not merely to report elections; it is to help protect the integrity of the democratic process,” he said.
“The call to action is simple: report the truth, serve the public, and hold power accountable. If we do this with discipline and courage, we will not only cover the 2027 elections—we will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through credible journalism,” Abas added.
He thanked the IPC, the European Union, and all stakeholders for the initiative and wished participants fruitful deliberations.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
