Osun Guber: Focus on issue-based election coverage – IPC urges journalists
Journalists Urged to Emphasize Issue-Based Reporting Ahead of Osun State Election
Osogbo, Nigeria — Journalists covering the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State have been encouraged to prioritize issue-based reporting to aid voters in making informed decisions.
This call was made during a two-day Media and Election Stakeholders’ Interaction on Credible Polls, organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) in Osogbo on Wednesday.
The IPC aimed to foster collaboration among journalists, electoral officials, security agencies, and civil society organizations to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process.
Stella Nwofia, IPC Programme Officer, stated that the workshop’s goal was to enhance democracy in Osun State.
Dr. Rasheed Adebiyi, a lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Fountain University, emphasized the need for journalists to focus more on issues related to policies and governance rather than engaging in personality-driven narratives. He urged media professionals to delve into topics that directly impact the public’s welfare and help voters make informed electoral choices.
“Journalism should not be driven solely by commercial interests,” Adebiyi said, advocating for reporting that promotes public good and societal impact. He advised journalists to closely examine the records and performance of political candidates and parties, emphasizing factual and balanced reporting as essential to strengthening democratic governance.
“Prioritize issue-based reports,” he continued. “The content you share will significantly influence voters’ choices. Investigate stories about good governance, governance failures, policy assessments, and long-term developmental priorities.”
Adebiyi cautioned against a repeat of the last election in Ekiti, where many voters lacked knowledge about the candidates. “Encourage the public to think critically about the candidates,” he urged.
Taiwo Obe, Director of Journalism Clinic in Lagos, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of improving analytical skills in journalism. He encouraged the adoption of artificial intelligence and other digital tools to produce quality election reports.
Obe further emphasized the need for media professionals to close the information gap for citizens, uphold responsible journalism, safeguard their safety while covering elections, combat misinformation, and enhance collaboration among stakeholders to promote a peaceful electoral process.