International Press Centre (IPC) has urged journalists to place citizens’ concerns at the centre of their coverage of the 2027 general elections, calling for more issue-based reporting that holds political candidates accountable to the electorate.
Gatekeeepers News reports that Lanre Arogundade, executive director of the IPC, made the call in welcome remarks delivered on his behalf by Melody Akinjiyan, a programme officer at the centre, during a two-day engagement with journalists in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The event, organised under Component 4 of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme, focused on strengthening democratic accountability and responsible election reporting ahead of the polls.
Arogundade said election coverage should extend beyond political rallies, campaign activities and other political events to examine candidates’ policy proposals and how they intend to address the needs of Nigerians.
“This is why we must begin to look beyond event-driven electoral coverage towards more substantive, issue-based, and citizen-centred reporting,” he said.
He urged journalists to give greater attention to issues affecting citizens, including the economy, education, healthcare, security, employment and infrastructure.
The IPC director also called for inclusive reporting that gives women, young people, persons with disabilities and other underrepresented groups greater visibility in electoral discussions.
He warned that sensationalism, unverified claims and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine public confidence and weaken democratic institutions.
Also speaking at the event, Taiwo Adisa, a former chief press secretary to Seyi Makinde, Oyo State governor, urged journalists to investigate how politicians finance their campaigns and monitor compliance with electoral spending regulations.
Adisa warned that the monetisation of elections could weaken democratic accountability, arguing that politicians who depend on wealthy financiers might prioritise their benefactors’ interests over those of the electorate.
He also urged journalists covering the elections in Oyo State to focus on issues affecting residents, particularly education and the state’s agricultural potential.
Adisa called on media practitioners to scrutinise candidates’ promises against the needs of communities rather than concentrate on campaign events and political exchanges.
Olusola Oludiran, a fact-checker with NDR/IPC, demonstrated how journalists could use fact-checking techniques to strengthen accountability reporting and prevent false information from reaching the public.
Oludiran warned that manipulated photographs and videos, fabricated reports and false endorsements could mislead voters, particularly as digital platforms accelerate the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
He stressed the importance of verifying information before publication, noting that accuracy should not be sacrificed for speed during election campaigns.
IPC also emphasised the need to protect journalists’ safety and professional independence, urging relevant authorities to ensure that media practitioners can perform their duties without intimidation, harassment or unlawful interference.
The centre said responsible election reporting should enable citizens to make informed decisions by providing credible information, examining candidates’ commitments and holding political leaders accountable for their promises.
