2027: ECOWAS SEEKS NUJ’S COLLABORATION FOR CREDIBLE POLLS

Ahead of the forthcoming general elections next year, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) National Secretariat in Abuja as part of efforts to assess Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the 2027 electoral cycle.

The delegation said the engagement was part of its obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, particularly in promoting credible elections, democratic accountability and responsible information dissemination across member states.

The 13 persons delegation was led by Head of Delegation Victor Bockarie Foh, Former Vice-President, Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Francess Piagie Alghali – Commissioner Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Dr Julius Sandi, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone Representing the ECOWAS Permanent Representative.

Speaking during the visit, the head of the delegation explained that ECOWAS remained committed to supporting its member states in conducting peaceful, transparent and credible elections.

Responding, the National President of the NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, appreciated ECOWAS for the visit and acknowledged the organisation’s contributions to strengthening democracy and good governance in the West African sub-region.

Comrade Yahya assured the delegation of the Union’s readiness to play its constitutional and professional role before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

He said the NUJ would mobilise journalists across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to ensure comprehensive coverage of the electoral process.

However, he identified inadequate funding, harassment and attacks on journalists by security personnel and non-state actors, as well as insufficient periodic training on election reporting, as some of the major challenges confronting journalists during elections.

The NUJ President also highlighted the Union’s commitment to tackling misinformation and disinformation, particularly on social media platforms and stressed the importance of strengthening conventional media as a reliable channel for promoting accurate, verifiable and credible information.

He maintained that journalists were not above the law and that members found culpable of professional misconduct would be appropriately sanctioned while reaffirming the Union’s responsibility to defend journalists whenever their rights were violated in the course of their legitimate duties.

Comrade Yahya further urged journalists across the country to prioritise national interest while discharging their professional responsibilities, particularly during the electioneering period.

On electoral reforms, he advocated a future review of the Electoral Act to ensure that political aspirants know their eligibility and electoral standing at least eight months before the general elections.

According to him, such a measure would help reduce uncertainty, political tension and possible clashes among aspirants and their supporters.

In his remarks, the head of the ECOWAS delegation reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting peaceful and credible democratic processes across its member states, particularly Nigeria.

He commended the NUJ President for the important issues raised during the engagement and encouraged the Union to sustain its efforts towards promoting responsible journalism, professional standards and credible election coverage.

The visit provided an opportunity for both organisations to discuss the role of the media in strengthening democratic institutions, promoting peaceful elections and ensuring that Nigerians have access to accurate and reliable information ahead of the 2027 general elections.