CAPPA Trains Journalists Ahead of Edo, Ondo Off-Cycle Elections to Foster Ethical Election Reportingh
By Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As the Edo and Ondo off-cycle elections approach, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has taken proactive steps to equip journalists with the skills to report responsibly, reduce sensationalism, and avoid inflammatory language in their coverage.
The virtual training focused on empowering journalists to contribute to peaceful elections by highlighting key issues that may shape the political landscape in Edo State.
In his opening address, CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, represented by the Senior Programme Manager of the Food Justice Programme, Abayomi Sarumi, stressed the critical role the media plays in influencing election outcomes. “The media is a vital player in ensuring that elections are transparent and democratic. This training is part of our commitment to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria, in line with the European Union’s Sustainable Development Goals,” Sarumi explained.
He emphasized that training journalists ensures that the democratic process is not only inclusive but resilient enough to sustain smooth transitions both at the state and national levels. The focus of the training, he said, was on equipping journalists with ethical guidelines to aid the people of Edo in making informed choices at the polls.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Executive Secretary Chike Chude urged journalists to maintain a high level of professionalism and responsibility in their election reporting. “Journalists must avoid language that could incite conflict or undermine the credibility of the elections,” he said. He underscored the importance of ethical journalism, stating, “We, as journalists, are part of the society we report on. Our ultimate goal should always be to see a nation that thrives, with leaders who serve the people effectively.”
Chude further noted that the outcome of elections directly impacts the future direction of a country, influencing the welfare, security, and accountability of its leadership. “When elections are conducted properly, they set the stage for a better life for the citizens,” he remarked.
Another speaker, renowned journalist and media consultant Joke Kujenya, emphasized the importance of objective and factual reporting. She encouraged journalists to focus on what they observe, rather than interpreting or embellishing what is said. “In countries with a free press, there is a 50% lower chance of post-election violence,” Kujenya noted, adding that with the rise of social media, which has become a major platform for political discourse, journalists must be digitally savvy and mindful of the impact their reports can have on the public.
The training served as a timely reminder of the powerful role journalists play in shaping the narrative around elections, with an emphasis on fostering peaceful, transparent, and democratic processes.
