2027 Elections: Kano Govt Tasks Journalists On Responsible Reportage

The Kano State Government has urged journalists to uphold professional ethics and ensure responsible reportage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, gave the charge during the 2026 Retreat of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Kaduna.

Ibrahim, who was represented by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mustapha Muhammad, said journalists had a huge responsibility to protect peace and democratic participation through accurate and balanced reporting.

The retreat, themed, “2027 General Elections: Navigating Legal, Security and Ethical Challenges in the Media,” was chaired by the SSG.

He said Kano’s large population and active political environment could generate strong emotions, competing narratives and misinformation during the electioneering period.

“Careless journalism can deepen tension, while responsible journalism can help protect peace and democratic participation.

“Election reporting should be guided by accuracy, fairness, impartiality, balance and the public interest. We have a responsibility to avoid publishing materials capable of inflaming ethnic, religious, regional or political divisions,” he said.

The SSG also urged journalists to exercise caution when reporting allegations, campaign speeches, inflammatory statements and clashes among political supporters.

He warned against amplifying statements capable of provoking violence or using sensational headlines that distorted the substance of reports.

“Election will come and go, our beloved city of Kano will remain. Let us create an atmosphere conducive to peace and harmony even after the election,” he added.

The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmad Maiyaki, also charged journalists to demonstrate patriotism and professionalism in their coverage of the elections.

Speaking on “Legal Boundaries and Ethical Obligations in Election Reporting,” lawyer Abdulsalam Yusuf urged journalists to familiarise themselves with electoral laws and avoid publishing unverified allegations.
Yusuf said freedom of the press came with corresponding responsibilities, particularly during politically sensitive periods.

“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,” he said.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, Murtala Adewale, said the retreat was organised to strengthen journalists’ capacity for credible, ethical and responsible election coverage.