Civil Society Situation Room and NUJ Collaborate to Promote Credible Elections in Nigeria

Civil Society Situation Room and NUJ Collaborate to Promote Credible Elections in Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have agreed to partner in ensuring a credible electoral process and strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

This decision was reached during a one-day advocacy meeting titled “Situation Room Advocacy Meeting with the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Election Credibility in Nigeria,” held on Friday at Pearl Jabi Lake Hotel in Abuja.

The event, supported by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), brought together participants from various civil society organizations and the media.

Numerous speakers addressed the challenges that hinder free and fair elections in the country, jeopardizing democratic progress. Key issues identified included vote buying, attacks on journalists, political interference, the independence of the electoral commission, the militarization of the electoral process, and the spread of fake news, all of which undermine the credibility of the electoral system.

During the event, NUJ National President Comrade Alhassan Yahaya emphasized the role of media practitioners as integral members of society, stating that they must advocate for the credibility of the electoral process. He noted that the presence of journalists from across the nation reflected their readiness to collaborate with organizations like the Civil Society Situation Room to improve the electoral narrative and contribute to a better Nigeria.

Yahaya recalled his campaign promise to introduce innovative ideas that would enhance the capacity of media practitioners to operate in accordance with the Nigerian constitution, working alongside civil society organizations and international donors.

He asserted that the advocacy meeting was a step toward fulfilling that promise.Regarding the assaults on journalists during the last general election, the NUJ President stressed that it is not a crime to be a journalist, and allowing journalists to fulfill their duties should not be seen as a favor.

He urged security agencies to partner with journalists and announced that a committee would soon be established to seek justice for the 89 journalists assaulted during the previous elections.

In his welcome address, Malam Yunusa Zakari Ya’u, the convener of the meeting and Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in Kano, recognized the media as a critical stakeholder in ensuring credible elections in Nigeria.

He highlighted the media’s role as a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability in governance, thus emphasizing the importance of collaboration between civil society and the media.

After extensive discussions from panelists and contributions from participants, a communiqué was issued outlining several resolutions. These included:

– Ensuring the protection of journalists by security agencies during elections.

– Appointing non-partisan individuals of good character to the electoral management board.

– Eliminating the militarization of the electoral process.

– Encouraging the media to hold government and public officials accountable, as established in Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

– Promoting sustained reporting and public communication on issues related to election credibility.

– Prioritizing investigative and objective reporting to expose electoral malpractices and hold political actors accountable.

– Advocating for policy reforms that support press freedom, media independence, and electoral accountability.

– Collaborating with civil society groups to enhance voter education and civic engagement.

The meeting also called on security agencies to protect journalists covering elections and uphold press freedom in line with democratic principles.

Furthermore, it encouraged greater cooperation between security agencies and the media to prevent attacks, harassment, and intimidation of journalists carrying out their civic duties.

Political parties were urged to adopt internal party democracy by maintaining accurate member registers, adhering to laws related to political and campaign financing, and upholding the rule of law in their operations.

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and NUJ reaffirmed their commitment to working together to foster credible, transparent, and accountable elections.

They called on all stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure the integrity of elections in Nigeria.