As political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, is urging journalists to tread carefully, warning that unverified reports and inflammatory content could heighten tensions and undermine peaceful democratic participation.
The call was made at the Union’s October 2026 Congress in Abuja, where journalists deliberated on the state of the profession, members’ welfare and broader national issues ahead of the elections.
The Congress urged journalists and media organisations to uphold professional and ethical standards in gathering, verifying and publishing political information, particularly reports capable of misleading the public or escalating tensions.
It stressed the importance of fact-checking before publication and giving all relevant parties an opportunity to respond to allegations.
The Union also reminded members of their obligation to comply with the NUJ Code of Ethics by ensuring that reports are accurate, balanced, fair and in the public interest.
NUJ urges journalists to use internal dispute mechanism
The Congress expressed concern over cases where disputes involving journalists are taken directly to security agencies or other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
It therefore encouraged members to make greater use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee in resolving professional and ethical disagreements within the journalism community.
According to the Congress, the committee provides an established platform for handling complaints among practitioners in line with the principles and procedures of the Union.
Warning over social media and cyberbullying
The 2027 elections also featured prominently in discussions on the responsibilities of journalists in the digital space.
Princess Halima Jubril urged journalists to exercise caution in their political reporting and ensure that fact-checking and professional ethics guide their coverage.
She cautioned against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and the misuse of social media platforms, warning journalists to avoid content that could expose themselves or their organisations to unnecessary legal and professional difficulties.
She urged practitioners to apply wisdom in reporting political actors and campaigns, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
NUJ seeks stronger protection for corps members
The Congress also expressed concern over attacks involving members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), commending security agencies for efforts to rescue corps members reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
The journalists called for stronger security measures to protect corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
They stressed that the safety of NYSC members and other young Nigerians should remain a priority for security authorities.
Union commends FCT Council leadership on welfare
On the state of the Union, Congress commended the FCT Council leadership under its chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, particularly for interventions on issues affecting members’ welfare.
The Congress specifically acknowledged ongoing efforts to improve journalists’ access to health insurance.
A member who spoke during the meeting expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that some journalists were already benefiting from the intervention.
The Congress also called for greater participation of younger journalists in Union activities and urged the Council to develop programmes capable of attracting more young practitioners to its meetings.
Members further advocated structured mentorship programmes to enable experienced journalists to transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger practitioners.
The Congress also turned its attention to the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.
Speaking on recent developments in the sector, FCT Correspondents Chapel Chairman Felix Ojo, called for greater clarity and coordination among relevant regulatory agencies, particularly questioning the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria in ensuring that locally manufactured products meet required standards.
The Congress stressed the need for effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection while encouraging policies that support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 elections, the FCT NUJ Council called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
At the end of the deliberations, Congress resolved to strengthen adherence to professional ethics, promote fact-checking, encourage responsible use of social media and ensure balanced and credible coverage of the 2027 electoral process.
The Union also resolved to sustain welfare interventions, promote mentorship for younger journalists, encourage stronger protection for NYSC members and engage government agencies and other stakeholders on issues affecting journalists, the media and Nigerian society.