Governors Abba Yusuf of Kano State and Uba Sani of Kaduna State have expressed concern over the unhealthy trends in political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections. They emphasized the need for responsible reporting and the importance of curbing hate speech and misinformation. The governors made these remarks at the launch of a book titled “Digital Shift in Nigeria’s Newspaper Industry” in Abuja.
Governor Yusuf, represented by Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, highlighted the growing use of hate speech and personal attacks in political discourse as harmful to democracy. He stressed that political competition should focus on issues rather than personal attacks against opponents. Yusuf urged journalists to promote responsible reporting and guard against misinformation.
Similarly, Governor Sani, represented by state Commissioner for Information Ahmed Maiyaki, emphasized the need for journalists to verify information thoroughly and consider the implications of their reports for the country’s democratic development. He warned that technological changes were reshaping newsroom operations and putting some media jobs at risk, urging journalists to develop multimedia skills to remain relevant.
Dr. Sunday Onuoha, a former Special Assistant to President Olusegun Obasanjo on Privatisation, called on media organisations to establish clear policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in journalism ahead of the 2027 elections. He recommended partnerships with credible fact-checking organisations and urged media houses to train political reporters in electoral law, data journalism, and digital investigation.
The author of the book, Dr. Sunday Isuwa, warned journalists against allowing the pressure to publish quickly in the digital age to undermine accuracy, ethical conduct, and public trust. He identified misinformation, changing business models, and declining confidence in the media as major challenges confronting the newspaper industry. Isuwa emphasized the need for journalists to adapt to technological developments without abandoning the principles of the profession.
Other speakers at the event, including John Joseph Hayab, Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, and Kudla Milinda Haske, Founder of Aerokeys Nigeria Limited, stressed the importance of public trust in the survival of media organisations and the need for greater public awareness to encourage Nigerians to participate in elections. They urged political parties and politicians to demonstrate greater commitment to the country beyond their pursuit of electoral victories.
The event highlighted the need for a collaborative effort to promote responsible political campaigns and ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a peaceful and credible manner. The governors' concerns and the recommendations made by speakers at the event underscore the importance of a well-informed and engaged citizenry in Nigeria's democratic process.
Key points
- Nigerian governors raise concerns over unhealthy political campaigns ahead of 2027 elections.
- Speakers at the event emphasize the need for responsible reporting and the importance of curbing hate speech and misinformation.
- Media organisations are urged to establish clear policies governing the use of artificial intelligence in journalism ahead of the 2027 elections.
