NUJ Urges INEC to Equip Journalists With Electoral Laws, Procedures Ahead of 2027

By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri

The Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide journalists with adequate knowledge of electoral laws and procedures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The council made the call on Wednesday in Maiduguri when the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Borno State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, visited the NUJ secretariat.

The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Abdulkareem Haruna, said better understanding of the electoral process among journalists would promote accurate, balanced and professional reporting before, during and after the elections.

Mr Haruna pledged the council’s cooperation with INEC to ensure comprehensive coverage of electoral activities and support initiatives aimed at promoting credible elections through responsible journalism.

He described the REC’s visit as an important step towards strengthening the relationship between the electoral commission and the media.

According to him, sustained engagement between INEC and journalists would deepen understanding of electoral procedures and help the public access reliable information.

Responding, Mr Abdullahi pledged to strengthen collaboration with the media to ensure accurate electoral information reaches the electorate throughout the electoral process.

He urged journalists to verify electoral information through INEC and other authoritative sources rather than relying solely on social media.

The REC said journalists had a critical role in educating voters on electoral procedures and urged them to obtain adequate knowledge of relevant electoral laws to enable them report objectively.

He assured journalists that his office remained open to enquiries, clarifications and engagements on matters concerning the electoral process.

Mr Abdullahi said effective communication between INEC and the media would help reduce misinformation and improve public understanding of electoral procedures ahead of the 2027 elections.