In 2027, a university professor called on Nigerian journalists to move beyond simply echoing politicians’ statements and instead focus on investigative reporting that verifies campaign promises and assesses their impact on citizens.
“Effective election journalism must move beyond reporting what politicians say to investigating what they do, verifying what they claim, and establishing how their decisions affect citizens’ lives,” the professor said.
The professor emphasized that reporters should scrutinise the actions of public officials, track the delivery of promised policies and evaluate how those decisions shape everyday life for the electorate.
These remarks arrive as Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, with candidates offering pledges on security, economic growth and social services. Media coverage is widely recognised as a key factor in informing voters and shaping public debate.
By prioritising citizens’ needs over political rhetoric, the professor argued, journalists can help ensure that electoral discourse translates into tangible outcomes for the country’s population.
<small>Source: Premium Times Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
