Abuja — The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on media practitioners to uphold accuracy, professionalism and fairness in covering the 2026 Area Council elections, while urging security agencies to guarantee the safety of journalists before, during and after the polls.
The NUJ made the call on Tuesday at a media forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, as part of preparations for the upcoming elections.
Speaking at the forum, Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Ms Grace Ike, warned that misinformation and unprofessional reporting could undermine public trust in the electoral process and threaten peace in the nation’s capital.
She stressed that modern elections are shaped not only at polling units but also within the information space, where narratives can influence outcomes and public perception.
“Elections are not won only at polling units; elections are also won and lost in the information space,” Ike said.
According to her, the rapid spread of false information in Nigeria poses serious risks to democratic stability if not checked through responsible journalism.
“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,” she said.
Ike urged journalists to prioritise verification and accuracy over speed and online engagement, warning against sacrificing truth for traffic.
“Let us verify before we publish. Let us not trade truth for traffic. Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous,” she cautioned.
She also called on journalists to avoid divisive reporting, describing the FCT as a shared space for all Nigerians regardless of political or ethnic affiliations.
“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,” Ike said.
The NUJ chairperson further emphasised the need for equitable coverage of all political actors, noting that democracy suffers when the media is captured or biased.
“We must ensure equitable coverage and access for all political actors. The credibility of the press depends on independence, professionalism and fairness,” she added.
On journalists’ safety, Ike said the union would not tolerate harassment, intimidation or denial of access to reporters by security agencies or other actors.
“Journalists must not be harassed, assaulted, threatened or denied access. The NUJ will not accept a situation where reporters covering elections are treated as enemies,” she said.
She called on INEC, security agencies, political parties and their supporters to respect the media and ensure the protection of journalists and their equipment throughout the election period.
Ike also urged INEC to strengthen its communication channels with the media to counter misinformation and rumours.
“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 said.
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She noted that the 2026 FCT Area Council elections should be remembered for integrity, professionalism and peace, reaffirming the NUJ’s commitment to press freedom and ethical journalism.
The media forum brought together media executives, editors, reporters, producers and on-air personalities as part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement ahead of the elections.
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