The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has urged journalists to prioritise public interest over political influence in their coverage of political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Prof. Tanko Yahya-Baba, Guest Speaker, made the call on Saturday in Sokoto at a congress organised by the Sokoto council,
Newsmen report that the congress is titled: “Journalism and Political Campaigns: Between Public Interest and Political Influence.”
The guest speaker advised journalists to maintain professionalism, accuracy and non-partisanship while discharging their constitutional responsibilities
According to Yahya-Baba the media remains one of the formidable pillars of democracy that connects the people with government.
He said the major role of journalists during electioneering was to set the agenda for politicians and promote violence-free campaigns.
“The media should articulate the priorities of the people and challenge existing structures in the public interest.
“Journalists must remain non-partisan in their reportage, because partisanship could make the media lose its credibility and public confidence,” the don said.
He also urged journalists to ensure accuracy in their coverage of election campaigns and differentiate professional journalism from the activities of social media actors.
“In a digital media era, journalists should ensure accuracy in whatever they report.
“Today, everybody wants to break news and that makes the gatekeeping role even more essential in this election period.
“Don’t rush and write something that you later come to apologise for; it makes you lose your credibility and public trust,” he noted.
Yahya-Baba also warned journalists against allowing politicians to use them to promote their interests at the expense of professional integrity and public interest.
“Politicians consider the election period as an emergency period where unlawful conduct is ignored,” he said.
He reminded journalists of their social responsibilities, noting that they would be held accountable for what happened during campaigns if they failed to set an agenda for peaceful conduct.
Speaking at the congress, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Alhaji Sambo Danchadi, commended the NUJ for organising what he described as a timely and important congress.
Danchadi reminded journalists of their responsibility to ensure that citizens receive accurate, balanced and verified information to enable them to make informed decisions.
He urged journalists to remain vigilant against misinformation and disinformation, particularly on digital platforms where false information could spread rapidly.
According to him, the Sokoto State Government recognised the role of the media in promoting peace, accountability and informed public discourse.
Danchadi also expressed the commitment of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to constructive engagement with the media while respecting the independence and professionalism of journalists.
“As we move closer to the 2027 general elections, this administration remains committed to presenting its records of governance through the achievements recorded under it,” he said.
He further appealed to all political actors to conduct their campaigns with maturity, responsibility and respect for the state’s values.
“Let our campaigns be driven by ideas, policies and issues that affect the lives of our people rather than statements capable of creating unnecessary tension.
“Sokoto state has a proud tradition of peaceful coexistence and we must come together to preserve that heritage,” he urged.
In his address, the Chairman, NUJ Sokoto State Council, Mr Usman Muhammad-Binji, described the role of journalists in the survival and strengthening of democracy as pivotal.
He said journalists had the responsibility to inform citizens, promote transparency, expose wrongdoing and hold government accountable.
Muhammad-Binji charged journalists to remain neutral and fair and be guided by the public interest, urging them to report political activities responsibly.
“We must set agenda for public discussion rather than allowing politicians to dictate everything we report.
“Our responsibility is to serve the people, give voice to the voiceless and protect the credibility of our profession,” he said.
He, however, warned journalists to take their safety seriously by avoiding press conferences at unsafe locations unless proper security arrangements were in place.
Newsmen report that, in separate goodwill messages, the Special Guests commended the NUJ leadership for organising the congress, which they described as timely and important, while reminding journalists of their ethical responsibilities.