NUJ FCT Urges Journalists to Fact-Check Reports Ahead of 2027 Elections
By DonBlaze Media
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has urged journalists to adhere strictly to professional ethics, fact-check political information and avoid inflammatory reports ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The council made the call at its October 2026 Congress held in Abuja, where members deliberated on issues concerning journalism practice, journalists’ welfare, the Union and developments in the country.
The Congress stressed the need for journalists and media organisations to exercise caution in the gathering, verification and publication of political information, particularly reports capable of misleading the public or escalating political tensions.
It also urged journalists to give parties involved in allegations a fair opportunity to respond before publication.
The council reiterated the importance of compliance with the NUJ Code of Ethics, noting that reports should be accurate, balanced, fair and in the public interest.
NUJ Committee for Professional Disputes
The Congress also called on members to make greater use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee when resolving professional and ethical disputes among journalists.
It expressed concern over instances where some members allegedly take disputes involving fellow practitioners directly to security agencies and other external institutions without first exhausting the Union’s internal mechanisms.
According to the Congress, the committee provides an established platform for addressing complaints and disagreements among journalists in line with the principles and procedures of the Union.
Council Leadership Commended
The Congress commended the FCT Council leadership under the chairmanship of Comrade Grace Ike for its interventions on issues affecting members.
Particular mention was made of ongoing efforts concerning health insurance and other welfare initiatives.
A member who spoke during the Congress expressed appreciation to the council for its intervention on health insurance, saying members were already benefiting from the initiative.
Call for Youth Participation and Mentorship
The Congress also called for greater participation of younger journalists in Union activities.
Members urged the council to introduce initiatives capable of attracting more young practitioners to Congress meetings, while also advocating structured mentorship programmes through which experienced journalists could transfer professional knowledge, skills and ethical values to younger colleagues.
The Congress said stronger mentorship would help develop the next generation of journalists and promote professionalism in the industry.
Journalists Cautioned on 2027 Coverage
On the 2027 elections, Princess Halima Jubril urged journalists to exercise professionalism and caution in their coverage of political activities.
She emphasised the importance of fact-checking before publication and advised journalists to avoid reports that could expose them or their organisations to unnecessary legal or professional difficulties.
Jubril also cautioned against cyberbullying, inflammatory publications and the misuse of social media platforms.
She urged journalists to allow professional ethics to guide their coverage of political actors and campaigns.
Congress Seeks Stronger Protection for NYSC Members
The Congress commended Nigerian security agencies for their efforts in rescuing members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
Members, however, expressed concern over attacks involving young Nigerians participating in the national service programme and called for stronger measures to protect corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment.
The Congress said the safety of NYSC members and other young Nigerians should remain a priority for security authorities.
Concern Over Regulation of Local Products
The Congress also raised concerns over the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.
Speaking on recent developments in the regulation of locally produced goods, Felix Ojo called for greater clarity and coordination among relevant regulatory agencies.
He particularly questioned the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that locally manufactured products meet required standards.
The Congress stressed the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection, while calling for policies that support legitimate Nigerian manufacturers.
NUJ Calls for Peaceful Electoral Process
The FCT Council called on journalists, political actors, security agencies and other stakeholders to contribute to a peaceful electoral environment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged journalists to avoid publishing unverified claims and reports capable of escalating political tensions.
The Congress said journalists have a responsibility to provide citizens with credible and accurate information to enable them make informed decisions.
At the end of the deliberations, the Congress resolved to strengthen adherence to professional ethics, promote fact-checking, encourage the use of the NUJ Ethics and Disciplinary Committee, develop mentorship initiatives and sustain welfare interventions for members.
It also resolved to encourage responsible use of social media, promote balanced coverage of the 2027 electoral process, support stronger protection for NYSC members and other vulnerable citizens, and continue engagement with government agencies and other stakeholders on issues affecting journalists, the media and Nigerian society.
The Congress reaffirmed the commitment of the NUJ FCT Council to press freedom, professional journalism, journalists’ welfare, ethical standards and the public interest.
