The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and safety while covering this year’s FCT Area Council elections.
The NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, made the appeal during a media forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, warning that misinformation could undermine public confidence and threaten peace during the electoral process.
Ike stressed that elections are no longer decided solely at polling units, noting that the information space now plays a critical role in shaping outcomes.
“Elections are not won only at polling units; elections are also won and lost in the information space,” she said.
She cautioned that false information spreads rapidly in Nigeria and, if unchecked, could endanger public peace.
“In today’s Nigeria, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and if left unchecked, it can poison public perception, undermine trust in institutions, and threaten the peace we all desire,” Ike added.
The NUJ chairperson urged journalists to verify information before publication and resist the pressure to sacrifice accuracy for online engagement.
“Let us verify before we publish. Let us not trade truth for traffic. Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous,” she said.
Ike also advised media practitioners to avoid divisive narratives, describing the FCT as a shared space for all Nigerians.
“The FCT is the home of all Nigerians. We must refuse to be used as tools for division. Our platforms must not become weapons in the hands of desperate politicians. Our reports must heal, not inflame,” she stated.
She further called for equitable coverage of all political actors, warning against media bias.
“We must ensure equitable coverage and access for all political actors. Democracy suffers when the media is captured. The credibility of the press depends on independence, professionalism and fairness,” Ike said.
Emphasising the importance of reporters’ safety, Ike declared that the NUJ would not tolerate intimidation, harassment, or denial of access to journalists by security agencies.
“Let me state this clearly: journalists must not be harassed, assaulted, threatened or denied access,” she said.
“The NUJ will not accept a situation where reporters covering elections are treated as enemies.”
She called on INEC, security agencies, political parties, and their supporters to respect the media and guarantee the safety of journalists and their equipment before, during, and after the elections.
Ike also urged INEC to strengthen communication with the media to curb misinformation.
“INEC must continue to provide timely updates and accessible verification channels to shut down rumours and fake results. In an election season, silence creates a vacuum, and a vacuum empowers misinformation,” she warned.
The NUJ chairperson said this year’s FCT Area Council elections must be remembered for integrity and peace, reaffirming the union’s commitment to professionalism and press freedom. She also called for the implementation of resolutions reached at the forum.
The event brought together media executives, producers, reporters, and on-air personalities as part of INEC’s preparations for the upcoming elections in the FCT.
