By John Dike Osogbo
The Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, has charged journalists across the country to uphold factual reporting, verify information before publication and familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act to promote credible elections, strengthen democratic governance and sustain public confidence in the media.
Oyewumi gave the charge while serving as chairman at the Press Week celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, where he underscored the importance of professionalism, accuracy, fairness and responsible journalism in the nation’s democratic process.
The senator stressed that journalists, as custodians of public information, must remain committed to the principles of truth and accuracy, particularly during election periods when the public depends heavily on the media for information about political parties, candidates, electoral regulations and the activities of relevant institutions.
He urged media practitioners to prioritise facts over speculation, ensure that their reports are balanced and credible, and avoid publishing unverified information capable of misleading the public or creating unnecessary tension in society.
According to him, the responsibility of journalists goes beyond reporting events, as their work also shapes public understanding, influences political discourse and contributes to the development of democratic institutions.
He maintained that the media must therefore exercise caution and demonstrate a high level of professionalism in handling political stories, particularly those capable of generating controversy or affecting public perception of the electoral process.
Oyewumi also emphasised the need for journalists to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the 2026 Electoral Act, noting that adequate knowledge of electoral laws would enable them to report election-related issues accurately and provide citizens with reliable information.
He explained that journalists who understand the legal framework governing elections would be better positioned to interpret electoral developments, explain the responsibilities of political parties and candidates, and educate voters on relevant procedures.
The senator urged media practitioners to take electoral education seriously by ensuring that their reports reflect the relevant legal provisions and established facts rather than assumptions, political propaganda or unsubstantiated claims.
He noted that misinformation and inaccurate reporting could undermine public confidence in electoral institutions, distort citizens’ understanding of the voting process and create avoidable disputes among political stakeholders.
Oyewumi stressed that journalists must remain vigilant in the discharge of their duties, particularly as political activities increase and public interest in electoral matters grows.
He urged reporters and editors to strengthen their fact-checking procedures, cross-check claims with credible sources and give relevant parties the opportunity to respond to allegations before publication.
The lawmaker further encouraged journalists to maintain professional independence and resist pressures that could compromise the credibility of their reports.
He said the media’s ability to contribute meaningfully to democratic development depended largely on its commitment to ethical standards, accuracy and the public interest.
According to him, responsible journalism remains an important instrument for promoting transparency, encouraging accountability among public office holders and enabling citizens to make informed decisions about issues affecting their lives.
The senator also highlighted the importance of balanced reporting in a politically diverse society, stressing that media coverage should provide a fair opportunity for different perspectives to be heard without sacrificing the truth or professional standards.
He maintained that political reporting should be guided by evidence and verified information rather than personal interests or partisan considerations.
Oyewumi further stressed that responsible media coverage plays a vital role in promoting public awareness, peaceful political participation and democratic accountability.
He noted that journalists could contribute to peaceful elections by providing accurate information, explaining electoral procedures and discouraging the spread of false reports capable of provoking hostility among supporters of rival political parties.
The senator urged media practitioners to recognise the influence their reports could have on public behaviour and political engagement, especially in the period leading to elections.
He added that credible reporting could help reduce uncertainty, promote informed debate and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.
Oyewumi’s remarks also highlighted the need for continuous professional development among journalists, particularly in the areas of electoral reporting, investigative journalism, fact-checking and the interpretation of laws and public policies.
He encouraged media practitioners to remain informed about changes in electoral regulations and other legal frameworks relevant to their work, noting that journalism requires continuous learning to meet the changing demands of society.
The NUJ Osun State Council’s Press Week provided an opportunity for discussions on professional responsibility, media ethics, democratic governance and the challenges confronting journalists in the discharge of their duties.
The celebration also underscored the importance of strengthening the relationship between the media and other stakeholders in promoting transparency, public enlightenment and peaceful political engagement.
Oyewumi’s charge comes amid growing expectations that journalists will play a critical role in informing voters, scrutinising political activities and ensuring that the public has access to accurate information throughout the electoral process.
He urged journalists to remain steadfast in their commitment to factual reporting, ethical conduct and the public interest, stressing that a credible media remains essential to the sustenance of democracy.
