The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Comrade Grace Ike, has urged media practitioners to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and fairness in the coverage of the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections.
Speaking at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters, and On-Air Personalities in Abuja on Tuesday, Ike stressed that elections are not decided only at polling units but also in the information space.
According to her, the rapid spread of misinformation poses a serious threat to public trust, democratic institutions, and national peace if left unchecked.
“Elections are also won and lost in the information space. In today’s Nigeria, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and when unchecked, it can undermine public confidence and threaten peace,” she said.
She described journalists as key stakeholders in the electoral process, noting that they serve as a bridge between INEC and the electorate by providing accurate, balanced, and timely information.
Ike called on media organisations to place accuracy above speed, warning against sacrificing truth for traffic and sensationalism.
“Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous,” she added.
She also urged journalists to maintain zero tolerance for hate speech and incitement, stressing that the Federal Capital Territory belongs to all Nigerians and must not be used as a platform for division.
On political coverage, the NUJ chairman emphasised the need for fairness, balance, and equal access for all political actors, warning that democracy suffers when the media becomes compromised.
Ike further raised concerns over the safety of journalists during elections, insisting that reporters must not be harassed, assaulted, threatened, or denied access while performing their duties.
“The NUJ will not accept a situation where journalists covering elections are treated as enemies,” she said, while calling on INEC, security agencies, political parties, and their supporters to guarantee the safety of media personnel and their equipment.
She also urged INEC to strengthen communication with the media by providing timely updates and accessible verification channels to counter rumours and fake results.
“In an election season, silence creates a vacuum, and vacuum empowers misinformation,” she noted.
Ike said the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections must be remembered for credibility, transparency, and peace, stressing that all stakeholders must act responsibly to achieve this goal.
She reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to professional and ethical election coverage, while restating the union’s mandate to defend press freedom, protect journalists, and hold institutions accountable.
The INEC forum was organised to engage media professionals ahead of the forthcoming area council polls, with a focus on promoting credible reporting and peaceful elections.
