The International Press Centre (IPC) on Tuesday urged journalists to prioritise professionalism and democratic accountability as they cover the 2027 general elections.
The Executive Director of IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade, gave the charge in Ibadan at a two-day programme with editors, publishers and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme is themed “2027 General Election in the Context of Democratic and Accountability Reporting”.
Arogundade, represented by the IPC programme officer, Miss Melody Akinjiyan, said the programme was timely considering the country’s forthcoming general elections.
According to him, elections are not just about campaigns and results but about citizens, their aspirations and their right to make informed decisions.
“Sensationalism, unverified claims and misinformation during elections can undermine public confidence and weaken democratic institutions,” he said.
He added that a media environment that prioritised accuracy, fairness and verification would strengthen public trust and ensure peaceful and credible elections.
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Arogundade urged journalists to move beyond event-driven coverage to issue-based and citizen-centred reporting that interrogates campaign promises and amplifies citizens’ concerns.
“The media must reflect on its responsibilities and strengthen its capacity to provide credible, balanced and inclusive information to the public,” he said.
He, however, raised concerns over the growing influence of digital platforms in spreading false information, hate speech and divisive narratives.
He noted that fact-checking was not optional, but integral to electoral reporting.
Arogundade called for the protection of journalists against intimidation and harassment.
He thanked the state NUJ for its support and appreciated the European Union for funding the project.
NAN reports that IPC organised the event under Component 4 of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN III).
Meanwhile, the General Editor of the Nigerian Tribune, Dr Taiwo Adisa, said the nation’s democracy was full of paradoxes.
Adisa said this while speaking on the event’s theme: “2027 General Election in the Context of Democratic and Accountability Reporting”.
He recalled his participation in the pro-democracy struggles of the 1990s and described democracy as promising much but delivering little.
He said this has led to citizens’ disillusionment.
However, Adisa said that despite democracy’s imperfections, it remained the best form of government that guarantees freedom and public participation.
According to him, professional accountability for journalists ensures ethical standards in the search for truth, while democratic accountability holds power to account.
“Democratic accountability requires integrity, mastery of issues, fact-checking and data-driven reporting to scrutinise public officials and institutions,” he said.
He also decried the monetisation of the electoral system, adding that candidates who buy their way into office will neglect governance.
He described the situation where the grassroots focus on personal gifts rather than legislative priorities and sustainable development as a missing link in politics.
The Oyo State NUJ chairman, Mr Akeem Abas, commended the IPC for organising the programme, noting that it would enhance journalists’ coverage of the 2027 general elections.
Abas enjoined the participants to maximise the knowledge gained at the event and strictly adhere to professional ethics.
NAN reports that no fewer than 75 journalists from the print, broadcast and online media in Oyo State attended the two-day programme. (NAN)
