Journalists covering Nigeria’s 2027 general elections have been urged to place their personal safety above the pursuit of breaking news, with a reminder that no story is worth the loss of a reporter’s life.
The National Trustee, Zone A of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Abbas Ibrahim, gave the charge while presenting a paper titled “Ethical, Responsible and Safe Election Reporting: Building Towards the 2027 Elections” during a one-day capacity-building workshop organised by the Kano Online Media Chapel of the NUJ at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano.
Speaking on the theme of responsible election reporting, Abbas Ibrahim said journalists remain key stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process because they provide citizens with credible information, hold political actors accountable and monitor the conduct of elections.
He, however, warned that election periods often expose journalists to violence, intimidation, harassment, attacks and other security threats, making it imperative for media professionals to observe strict safety measures before, during and after every assignment.
Drawing from decades of experience in journalism, including his tenure as Chairman of the Kano State Council of the NUJ, Abbas recalled several dangerous encounters during previous elections in which journalists narrowly escaped death while carrying out their constitutional responsibility of informing the public.
«”You must be alive to report; otherwise, you will become the subject of the report if you are not safety conscious,” he said.»
He explained that ethical election reporting is founded on the principles of accuracy, fairness, balance, independence, impartiality and accountability, stressing that journalists must resist political pressure, financial inducements and every form of influence capable of compromising professional standards.
According to him, every election-related claim should be independently verified before publication, while photographs, videos and social media content must be carefully authenticated to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
He further cautioned journalists against announcing unofficial election results or publishing rumours capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
Abbas Ibrahim said responsible election coverage also requires journalists to avoid sensational headlines, inflammatory language, hate speech and reports capable of inciting violence or deepening political, ethnic and religious divisions.
He advised media practitioners to focus campaign coverage on issues, policies and programmes rather than personalities, while ensuring that all parties and candidates are given fair opportunities to respond to allegations or criticisms.
On safety, he urged journalists to conduct comprehensive risk assessments before embarking on election assignments, study the security situation in their areas of coverage, identify safe routes and emergency exit points, and maintain constant communication with their editors and colleagues.
He also encouraged reporters to carry valid identification cards, fully charged mobile phones, emergency contacts and power banks, while avoiding violent crowds, political confrontations and unnecessary arguments with security personnel or party supporters.
Media organisations, he added, also have a responsibility to protect their personnel by providing regular safety training, clear editorial guidelines, protective equipment where necessary and effective emergency response mechanisms for journalists deployed to election flashpoints.
Abbas maintained that safeguarding journalists’ lives is fundamental to protecting press freedom and guaranteeing continuous public access to credible, timely and accurate information throughout the electoral process.
As preparations gather momentum for the 2027 general elections, he called on journalists across the country to uphold the highest ethical standards, remain professional in the discharge of their duties and remember that no exclusive story is worth a human life.
“Be alive to report, not become the story,” he emphasized.
