2027 elections: Kano SSG tasks journalists on responsible reportage

The Secretary to Kano State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, has tasked journalists to uphold the ethics of the profession and ensure responsible reportage as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Farouk Ibrahim spoke on Sunday, during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Kaduna Retreat, held at Pyramid Hotel, Kaduna, organized by Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The SSG was the chairman of the Retreat themed: “2027 General Elections: Navigating Legal, Security and Ethical Challenges in the Media.”

Farouk Ibrahim, who was represented by Alhaji Mustapha Mohmrd, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Kano state Governor, reminded journalists that the 2027 general elections place an enormous responsibility on media practitioners operating in Kano State, and across Nigeria.

He added: “Kano is politically active, highly populated and home to diverse political interests.

“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.

“Journalists must therefore understand that every headline, photograph, video, social-media post and broadcast has the potential to influence public perception and, in some circumstances, public behaviour.”

The SSG further stated that: “Election reporting should be guided by accuracy, fairness, impartiality, balance and the public interest.

“We have responsibility to avoid publishing materials capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions.

“Political disagreements are normal in a democracy. However, disagreement should not be allowed to become hostility. Journalists must be particularly careful when reporting allegations, campaign speeches, inflammatory statements and clashes between political supporters.

“Statements capable of provoking violence should not be amplified merely because they are sensational. The media should also avoid headlines that distort the substance of a story simply to attract attention.

‘Above all, we must create an atmosphere conducive for peace and harmony to rain even after election. Election will come and go, our beloved city of Kano will remain. Let me congratulate the chapel once again for this retreat and the opportunity given to me to address you.”

The Host of the Retreat, Kaduna state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmad Maiyaki, also urged journalists to exhibit patriotism and professionalism while reporting the 2027 general elections.

He reminded journalists that their is no price and gain in telling nag at I’ve stories about elections or other events in Nigeria, insisting that journalists remained the mirror through which the world view and assess Nigeria’s socio-economic prowess, security and stability.

Delivering his paper entitled: “Legal Boundaries and Ethical Obligations in Election Reporting,” Bar. Abdulsalam Yusuf, urged journalists to familiarise themselves with the laws governing elections and the limits placed on media reporting.

He stressed that, “freedom of the press comes with corresponding responsibilities, particularly during politically sensitive periods.”

According to him, journalists must understand the distinction between legitimate public-interest reporting and publications that could violate existing laws, damage reputations or threaten public peace.

“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 avoid reporting unfounded allegations, political claims and unverified information, stressing the importance of ensuring fairness, objectivity and clarity.

“A journalist must not become a tool for spreading unverified allegations. Accuracy, fairness, balance and verification are essential, especially during an election when a single report can have serious consequences on national security,” he said.

Yusuf further urged media practitioners to distinguish between facts, opinions and claims made by political actors, particularly in an era where social media platforms have accelerated the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

He noted that journalists have a duty to independently verify information before publishing or broadcasting it, regardless of the source.

“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,” he stated.

Representatives from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Department of Security Service (DSS), and other security agencies, including the Civil Society Organizations (NGOs), all appealed to journalists report professionally and remain conscious of their safety, during the 2027 general elections.

In his welcome address, chairman of Kano state Correspondents’ Chapel, NUJ, Murtala Adewale, said the Retreat was organized basically to prepare journalists ahead the 2027 general elections.

According to him, the Retreat was aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists to provide credible, ethical and responsible coverage of the electoral process.

Adewale expressed optimism that the Retreat would equip participants with practical knowledge and professional skills to navigate the legal and ethical challenges of election reporting, while ensuring both the safety of journalists and the integrity of the profession.