By Stellamaries Amuwa
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged journalists to prioritise accuracy, professionalism, and safety during the 2026 Area Council elections.
Speaking on Tuesday at a media forum organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja, Grace Ike, chairperson of the NUJ FCT council, warned that misinformation could undermine public trust and threaten peace.
She said elections are no longer determined solely at polling units, adding that the information space plays a critical role. “Elections are not won only at polling units; elections are also won and lost in the information space,” she said.
She noted that false information spreads rapidly in Nigeria and could endanger public peace if not addressed. “In today’s Nigeria, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and if left unchecked, it can poison public perception, undermine trust in institutions, and threaten the peace we all desire,” Ike said.
Ike urged journalists to prioritise verification over haste, warning against sacrificing truth for online engagement. “Let us verify before we publish. Let us not trade truth for traffic. Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous,” she said.
She said journalists must uphold professional standards, especially during elections.
Ike advised media practitioners against promoting divisive narratives, describing the FCT as a shared space for all Nigerians.
“The FCT is the home of all Nigerians. We must refuse to be used as tools for division. Our platforms must not become weapons in the hands of desperate politicians. Our reports must heal, not inflame,” she said.
The NUJ chairperson called for equitable coverage and equal access for all political actors.
