By NEWSCOUNT Desk
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has called on journalists to exercise greater care, professionalism and responsibility in their coverage of political activities as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 general elections.
The call formed part of the resolutions of the Council’s October 2026 Congress held on Saturday in Abuja, where journalists deliberated on issues concerning the profession, the welfare of members, the Union and developments in the country.
The Congress stressed the need for journalists to properly verify information before publication, particularly during the election period when political claims, counterclaims and other sensitive reports are likely to increase.
It urged practitioners to guard against publishing inflammatory materials or unverified allegations that could mislead members of the public, heighten political tension or interfere with peaceful democratic participation.
The Council also reminded journalists of the provisions of the NUJ Code of Ethics, urging them to ensure accuracy, fairness and balance in their reports and to give persons or organisations mentioned in allegations an opportunity to respond.
Speaking at the Congress, Princess Halima Jubril advised journalists to remain professional in their handling of political stories and ensure that reports are properly verified before they are published.
She cautioned practitioners against publications that could expose them or their organisations to avoidable legal and professional challenges, while also drawing attention to the dangers of cyberbullying, inflammatory content and irresponsible use of social media.
Jubril urged journalists to allow professional ethics to guide their reporting of political parties, politicians and campaign activities.
The Congress also expressed concern over the practice of some journalists taking disputes involving fellow practitioners to security agencies and other external bodies without first making use of the Union’s internal dispute-resolution mechanisms.
Members were consequently advised to direct such complaints to the Ethics and Disciplinary Committee of the FCT Council, which the Congress identified as the appropriate platform for handling disagreements among members.
The Congress commended the leadership of the FCT Council, headed by Chairman Grace Ike, for its interventions on matters affecting journalists, including efforts to provide members with access to health insurance.
A member who spoke during the Congress appreciated the initiative, noting that journalists were already benefiting from the arrangement.
The meeting also considered the participation of younger journalists in Union activities, with members calling for measures that would encourage more young practitioners to attend Congress meetings and take a more active role in the affairs of the Union.
Participants proposed structured mentorship arrangements through which experienced journalists could share their professional knowledge and experience with younger practitioners and help them develop sound reporting habits and respect for ethical standards.
On a national issue, the Congress raised questions about the regulation and certification of products manufactured in Nigeria.
Felix Ojo, Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel, called for clearer coordination among regulatory agencies and raised questions concerning the role of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in ensuring that locally manufactured products comply with required standards.
The Congress stressed the importance of effective regulation, quality control and consumer protection while supporting measures that encourage genuine local manufacturing.
Members also commended security agencies for the rescue of members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were reportedly targeted while travelling to their orientation camp.
The Congress called for stronger security arrangements for corps members travelling to and from their places of deployment, stressing the need for their safety to receive proper attention from the relevant authorities.
The FCT Council resolved to strengthen compliance with professional ethics, encourage proper verification of political and other sensitive information before publication, promote the use of its Ethics and Disciplinary Committee and support mentorship opportunities for younger journalists.
It also resolved to sustain welfare initiatives, discourage cyberbullying and inflammatory publications, and encourage responsible and balanced journalism as political activities leading to the 2027 elections gather pace.
