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By Gloria Ikibah

The Chairman of Nigerian Union of Journalists FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike has called on theIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and their supporters to respect the media and guarantee the safety of journalists and their equipment before, during and after the FCT 2026 elections.

Comrade Ike who stated this during a Media Executive Meeting held at the instance of INEC ahead of the FCT 2026 Area Council Election, on Tuesday in Abuja, applauded the Commission for convening the Stakeholders’ forum ahead of the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections.

“This engagement is timely because we must confront a hard truth: elections are not won only at polling units; elections are also won and lost in the information space. 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.

“As Journalists, we have a sacred duty to democracy. We are not spectators in the electoral process, we are stakeholders. We are the bridge between INEC and the people, and we must ensure Citizens receive information that is accurate, balanced, and timely. But beyond that, we must also insist that the environment in which journalists operate is safe, free, and respectful.

“As we approach the elections, I appeal to all Journalists and Media Organisations to focus on these key priorities: Accuracy over speed, Let us verify before we publish. Let us not trade truth for traffic; Breaking news is good, but breaking society is dangerous.”

Comrade Ike who underscored the need to exercise zero tolerance for hate speech and incitement, described FCT as the home of all Nigerians, said  as Journalists, “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.

“Fairness, balance and equal access: We must ensure equitable coverage and access for all political actors. Democracy suffers when the media is captured. The credibility of the press depends on independence, professionalism and fairness.”

While highlighting the need to ensure safety and protection of Journalists during the forthcoming election, the Chairman NUJ FCT Council called for provision of adequate security of Journalists deploy to cover the FCT election.

“Let me state this clearly that journalists must not be harassed, assaulted, threatened or denied access. The NUJ will not accept a situation where Reporters covering elections are treated as enemies.

“We therefore call on INEC, security agencies, political parties and their supporters to respect the media and guarantee the safety of journalists and their equipment before, during and after the elections.”

Comrade Ike who advocated for strong INEC-media communication and transparency, urged the Commission to ensure continued provision of “timely updates and accessible verification channels to shut down rumours and fake results. In an election season, silence creates vacuum, and vacuum empowers misinformation.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections must be remembered for credibility, transparency and peace. And for that to happen, all stakeholders must play their roles responsibly.

“The NUJ FCT Council remains committed to professional election coverage. But we also reaffirm our union mandate: to defend press freedom, protect journalists, and hold every institution accountable to the Nigerian people,” she assured.