The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has urged political actors to shun campaigns of calumny, character assassination and inflammatory rhetoric ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The union made the call in a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Muhammad Usman Binji and Muhammad Nasir, and issued at the end of its congress held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the NUJ Press Centre, Zuru Road, Sokoto.
The Congress directed journalists to maintain political neutrality, non-partisanship and professional independence as political activities intensify, while urging politicians to focus their campaigns on policies, programmes and practical solutions to challenges confronting citizens.
It also reaffirmed journalism’s role as a pillar of democracy, charging journalists to uphold professionalism, accuracy, fairness and independence in reporting matters of public interest and promoting accountability.
On the safety of journalists, the NUJ expressed concern over persistent insecurity and called on governments at all levels to strengthen measures to protect lives and property and address the root causes of insecurity.
The Congress further urged journalists and media organisations to restrict press conferences to the NUJ Press Centre, except where compelling circumstances require otherwise, as part of measures to improve the safety and security of media practitioners.
The union called for stronger interventions to protect internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups affected by insecurity.
It specifically advocated the establishment and expansion of skills acquisition centres for Almajiri children, IDPs and out-of-school children to equip them with sustainable livelihood skills and reduce their vulnerability.
On public health, the Congress expressed concern over reported cases of diphtheria and called on relevant authorities and media organisations to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
It also charged journalists to verify health-related information before publication and promote responsible health-seeking behaviour among members of the public.
The NUJ commended the Sokoto State Government for introducing subsidised sales of rice, fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to citizens.
It urged the government to sustain and strengthen the interventions to support farmers, improve food access and enhance food security across the state.
The Congress also commended the wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, for humanitarian interventions, particularly the distribution of food items to communities affected by banditry in Kebbe, Yabo, Bodinga, Shagari, Binji, Tangaza, Rabah and Wurno Local Government Areas.
It called for the sustenance and expansion of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities affected by insecurity.
The Congress reaffirmed the NUJ Sokoto State Council’s commitment to defending press freedom, upholding professional ethics, promoting democratic accountability and peaceful coexistence, and protecting the public interest.
