, Borno State Council, on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre in New){kind=link}
… Seeks Media Synergy Ahead of General Elections.
BY: BABAGANA BUKAR WAKIL, MAIDUGURI
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA — The newly posted Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Borno State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council, on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre in New G.R.A, Maiduguri.
The event was attended by media executives, editors, correspondents, and reporters representing various local and international media outlets. Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration, combating misinformation, and ensuring proactive public education ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the council, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi commended the press for its continuous support in promoting democracy and highlighting the activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
”I am here with my team in the spirit of inter-agency collaboration with our strategic and critical partners in the business of election conduct,” Abdullahi stated. “The Fourth Estate of the Realm is key to all our preparations and the ultimate success of any democracy. Without the press, a lot of damage can occur. As the media, you possess the power to assist us tremendously in educating, enlightening, and sensitizing the public against violence, while promoting peaceful conduct and adherence to electoral rules.”
He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the council for accepting the meeting on short notice, noting that the gesture reflected the enduring cordial relationship between the Commission and the press.
Welcoming the delegation, the Chairman of the NUJ Borno State Council, Comrade Abdulkareem Haruna, alongside with council ‘s secretary Chroma Ali Ibrahim commended the new REC for making the NUJ Press Centre his first point of official call a historic move that broke long-standing routine practice.
”This is the first time INEC leadership in full capacity has visited the NUJ Press Centre as its first point of interaction rather than inviting journalists to their office,” Harun said. “This demonstrates that Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi is indeed a true partner of the press.”
Haruna reaffirmed the union’s commitment to supporting INEC in delivering credible elections in Borno State, while highlighting key areas requiring immediate synergy.
Combating Fake News through Timely Information: Addressing the threat of misinformation, Harun emphasized that fake news rarely originates from professional journalists. He urged INEC to maintain an open-door policy and release timely, authentic information to prevent unverified rumors from filling the void.
Capacity Building for Election Reporting: The NUJ Chairman appealed for INEC’s support in organizing refresher training workshops for journalists particularly younger reporters covering their first major electoral cycle to equip them with practical skills on electoral laws, field safety, and conflict-sensitive reporting.
Speaking with newsmen following the meeting, the REC reiterated that the visit marks the beginning of an ongoing, robust engagement aimed at ensuring seamless communication and voter education as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain continuous dialogue and foster a transparent media environment throughout the upcoming electoral processes.
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