Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, the International Press Centre (IPC) has called on digital journalists and online publishers in Ondo State to strengthen fact-checking, verify political claims, and prioritize public-interest, citizen-centered reporting.
The call was made in Akure during a one-day training workshop for online journalists and publishers. The capacity-building engagement was organized under Component Four (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN III) Programme.
Speaking through IPC’s Programme Manager, Stella Nwofia, the Executive Director of the Centre, Lanre Arogundade, emphasized that election reporting must move beyond routine coverage of political rallies, campaign speeches, and result announcements. He urged media professionals to focus on the concerns, aspirations, and lived experiences of ordinary citizens.
Arogundade noted that the media bears a strategic responsibility to hold political candidates accountable, scrutinize campaign promises, and foster informed public debate.
He warned that unverified claims, sensational reporting, and the unchecked spread of misinformation could erode public trust and destabilize democratic institutions. He identified critical sectors such as the economy, security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and employment as key issues that should dominate electoral coverage.
The IPC boss further urged media organizations to give meaningful visibility to underrepresented groups, including women, young people, and persons with disabilities, and cautioned journalists against prioritizing speed over accuracy in the fast-paced digital ecosystem. He also reiterated the need to safeguard the security and independence of journalists as they perform their duties.
During his session, media facilitator Olusola Oludiran stressed the necessity of embedding fact-checking directly into accountability journalism. He noted that rigorous verification of political statements curbs misleading narratives and helps voters make informed choices at the polls.
Another resource person, Adegbenro Adebanjo, Director of Corporate Communications at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), urged journalists to spotlight the challenges confronting grassroots communities. He stated that electoral coverage gains real value when it connects political manifestos to the practical needs and living conditions of everyday citizens.
Facilitator Daniel Dabo trained participants on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools for research, news gathering, and data verification. While noting that modern digital tools enhance newsroom efficiency and document analysis, Dabo cautioned journalists to cross-check AI-generated findings with verified sources and uphold ethical standards.
