Professor urges journalists to probe campaign promises

Professor's call for election journalism

Professor Ifeoma Dunu urges Nigerian journalists to shift focus from political campaigns to accountability journalism ahead of 2027 general elections.

“Effective election journalism must move beyond reporting what politicians say to investigating what they do, verifying what they claim, and establishing how their decisions affect citizens' lives”

2027 election context

The 2027 general elections will place significant responsibility on media to strengthen democratic participation and safeguard citizens' access to credible electoral information.

UNIZIK FM background

UNIZIK FM is the radio station at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, where Professor Ifeoma Dunu serves as Director.

Workshop details

The workshop was organized by the International Press Centre with support from the European Union.

Journalists' focus shift

Media practitioners must prioritize public accountability, citizens' welfare, and rigorous fact-checking over political party activities and campaign rhetoric.

Fact-checking importance

Fact-checkers must verify political claims against evidence, budgets, and implementation rather than focusing on campaign promises.

Media's role in elections

The media must ensure citizens' voices are heard in democratic processes while scrutinizing political promises and holding officials accountable.

Misinformation risks

Digital platforms have accelerated misinformation, manipulated content, hate speech, and divisive narratives during election periods.

Media responsibility

The media must strengthen verification skills, exercise caution with sensitive information, and resist pressure to prioritize speed over accuracy.

IPC executive director

IPC executive director Lanre Arogundade emphasized that accurate, fair, and verified reporting strengthens public trust and contributes to peaceful elections.

Key challenges

Election periods characterized by sensationalism, unverified claims, and misinformation can undermine public confidence and weaken democratic institutions.

Solutions

Media must prioritize accuracy, fairness, verification, conflict-sensitive reporting, and accountability to strengthen public trust in elections.

2027 election implications

The 2027 general elections require journalists to focus on citizens' needs rather than political promises to ensure democratic participation.