Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has urged journalists across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, truth, fairness and objectivity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, warning against the dangers of misinformation, disinformation and political manipulation.
Makinde, who is also the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), gave the charge on Saturday at the closing ceremony of the 60th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, held in Ibadan. The Governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, also congratulated the Union on its Diamond Jubilee, commending its six decades of contributions to democratic governance, public enlightenment and nation-building.
In his address, the Governor reminded media practitioners that political administrations and electoral contests are temporary, while credible institutions must endure. He urged journalists to remain committed to the truth and public interest, irrespective of political affiliations or interests. He said: “Elections come and go. Politicians come and go. Governments come and go. But institutions endure. The credibility of the media must outlive every political contest.”
Makinde further charged journalists to give all stakeholders a fair hearing, verify information before publication and prioritise public enlightenment over sensationalism and division. He stressed that professional journalism remains indispensable to democracy, particularly during election periods when citizens depend on credible information to make informed decisions.
Describing the 60-year journey of the NUJ as a remarkable testament to resilience, relevance and service, the Governor acknowledged the contributions of the Union’s founding fathers, past and present leaders, as well as journalists who made sacrifices in defence of press freedom and the public’s right to information. He noted that the NUJ’s history remains closely connected to Nigeria’s democratic evolution through its roles in promoting accountability, civic participation and responsible governance.
The Governor also highlighted Oyo State’s recognition as Nigeria’s most democratic state in the 2025 Democracy Performance Index released by the Kimpact Development Initiative and published by StatiSense. He said the recognition reflected his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, inclusion and citizen engagement, while underscoring the importance of a responsible media in strengthening democratic institutions and public confidence.
Warning against the growing influence of false information, Makinde maintained that the media’s greatest responsibility ahead of the 2027 elections should not be to promote any individual, candidate or political party, but to defend the truth. “The greatest service the media can render to democracy in 2027 is not to support any individual, candidate or political party. It is to support the truth,” he declared.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining a relationship with the media based on openness, mutual respect and accountability, while acknowledging the sacrifices journalists make daily in keeping society informed. Makinde urged the NUJ to use its seventh decade as an opportunity to strengthen ethical standards, deepen professionalism, rebuild public trust and preserve its legacy of service to humanity.
The Governor who was represented by the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju congratulated the NUJ Oyo State Council on its historic Diamond Jubilee, expressing confidence that the Union would continue to play a leading role in promoting press freedom, strengthening democratic governance, fostering accountability and advancing national development.
