The Kano State Government has urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and ensure accurate, fair and responsible reportage ahead of the 2027 general elections2027: Kano govt tasks journalists on ethical election reporting.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, gave the advice on Sunday at the opening of the 2026 Kaduna Retreat organised by the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
The retreat, held at Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, has the theme: “2027 General Elections: Navigating Legal, Security and Ethical Challenges in the Media.”
Ibrahim, represented by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Mustapha Mohammed, said the media had a major responsibility to promote peace and democratic participation during the elections.
He said Kano’s large population, political activity and diverse interests made responsible journalism particularly important.
“Political competition is expected to generate strong emotions, competing narratives and, potentially, misinformation.
“In such an environment, careless journalism can deepen tension, while responsible journalism can help protect peace and democratic participation,” he said.
The SSG urged journalists to be guided by accuracy, fairness, impartiality, balance and public interest, while avoiding reports capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions.
He also cautioned journalists against amplifying inflammatory statements or using sensational headlines that distorted the substance of reports.
“Above all, we must create an atmosphere conducive for peace and harmony to reign even after the election.
“Election will come and go; our beloved city of Kano will remain,” he said.
Also speaking, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Ahmad Maiyaki, urged journalists to demonstrate patriotism and professionalism in their coverage of the 2027 elections.
Maiyaki said journalists remained the mirror through which the world assessed Nigeria’s socio-economic development, security and stability.
In a paper titled: “Legal Boundaries and Ethical Obligations in Election Reporting,” Barr. Abdulsalam Yusuf urged journalists to familiarise themselves with laws governing elections and their responsibilities under the law.
Yusuf said freedom of the press came with corresponding responsibilities, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
“The media has a constitutional responsibility to inform the public, but that responsibility must be exercised within the boundaries of the law and professional ethics,” he said.
He advised journalists to independently verify allegations and claims before publication, stressing that statements by political actors should not automatically be treated as facts.
“What a politician says at a rally is not automatically a fact simply because it was said publicly. The responsibility of the journalist is to verify the claim and present the public with accurate information,” Yusuf said.
Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and civil society organisations also urged journalists to maintain professionalism and prioritise their safety during the elections.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, Mr Murtala Adewale, said the retreat was organised to strengthen journalists’ capacity to provide credible and responsible coverage of the electoral process.
He expressed optimism that the programme would equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the legal, ethical and security challenges of election reporting.
