The International Press Centre (IPC) has urged journalists covering elections to strictly adhere to the codes and regulations governing election reporting, particularly in documenting all processes leading to the election.
At a two-day training workshop for a cross-section of journalists practicing in Edo State, the Centre emphasized that media professionals should prioritize the people’s interests in their reports and maintain neutrality and accuracy.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, delivered this message at the training. He also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all security agencies involved in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State to act within the boundaries of the constitution and remain impartial.
Arogundade noted that the training is part of activities supported by the European Union (EU) for promoting democratic governance in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of elections as a fundamental building block for sustainable democratic practices.
He emphasized that all stakeholders must perform their roles without bias, keeping the citizens’ interests at the forefront. “It is the public interest that should constitute our guiding principles, and not any other interest, be it partisan, cultural, religious, or political,” he said.
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Arogundade also called on the police and other security agencies to ensure the safety of journalists during and after the election, reminding them of the Nigeria Media Code of Election Coverage, which requires institutions to provide a conducive environment for media personnel.
“The government and its agency shall ensure free movement of journalists to any part of the country during elections. In this forthcoming Edo election, we expect the police to guarantee the safety of journalists and not to attack them. Where there are cases of attacks on journalists, we expect prompt investigation,” he added.
He urged INEC to proactively provide journalists with the necessary information regarding the election to support factual and credible reporting and prevent misinformation.
Taiwo Ojo, Executive Director of Journalism Clinic and a resource person at the workshop, encouraged journalists to leverage modern technologies in their storytelling. He stressed the importance of research and knowledge in journalism, urging professionals to use their expertise to combat misinformation, especially as the governorship election approaches.
