# Professor urges journalists to probe campaign promises

> Journalists must investigate political promises, not just report them, ahead of 2027 elections.
- Title: Professor urges journalists to probe campaign promises
- Summary: Journalists must investigate political promises, not just report them, ahead of 2027 elections.
- Keywords: 2027 elections, journalists, citizens' needs, campaign promises, unizik fm, nnamdi azikiwe university, ifoma dunu, international press centre, european union, election journalism, fact-checking, accountability
- Source: Premium Times Nigeria — https://premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/923156-2027-professor-urges-journalists-to-probe-campaign-promises-prioritise-citizens-needs.html
- Author: Chinagorom Ugwu
- Published: 2026-11-06T11:57:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 2027 elections, journalists, citizens' needs, campaign promises, unizik fm, nnamdi azikiwe university, ifoma dunu, international press centre, european union, election journalism, fact-checking, accountability
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Professor Ifeoma Dunu urges Nigerian journalists to prioritize citizens' needs over political promises in 2027 elections.