The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has warned media practitioners covering the 2026 area council elections to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and personal safety, amid growing concerns over the impact of misinformation on public peace and democratic credibility.
The NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja, while speaking at a media forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as part of preparations for the polls.
Ike cautioned that elections are no longer decided solely at polling units, stressing that the information space now plays a decisive role in shaping outcomes and public perception.
“Elections are not won only at polling units; elections are also won and lost in the information space,” she said.
She warned that the rapid spread of false information in Nigeria poses serious risks to national stability if not checked.
“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 said.
The NUJ chairperson urged journalists to resist the pressure of speed and online engagement, emphasising verification and accuracy over haste.
“Let us verify before we publish. Let us not trade truth for traffic. Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous,” she said.
She stressed that journalists must uphold professional and ethical standards, particularly during elections, and avoid narratives that could inflame tensions in the FCT, which she described 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,” Ike said.
Ike also called for fair and equitable media coverage, warning that democracy suffers when the press is compromised.
“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,” she added.
On reporters’ safety, Ike declared that the NUJ would not tolerate harassment, intimidation, assault, or denial of access to journalists by security agencies or political actors.
“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,” Ike added.
She called on INEC, security agencies, political parties, and their supporters to 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 counter misinformation and fake election results.
“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.
She stressed that the 2026 FCT Area Council elections must be remembered for integrity and peace, reaffirming the NUJ’s commitment to professionalism and press freedom.
Ike added that resolutions reached at the forum must be implemented, not merely discussed.
The forum brought together media executives, producers, reporters, and on-air personalities as part of INEC’s preparations for the 2026 FCT Area Council elections.
