The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has issued a stern call to the political class to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic stability as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
In a communique released following its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Union demanded that politicians should “play by the rules and refrain from acts capable of undermining Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy.”
Presided over by the National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, the Council reminded the nation that the current democratic dispensation was built on the sacrifices of many, including journalists who “were incarcerated and died in the course of fighting for this democracy.”
To honor this legacy, the NEC charged media practitioners to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and promote democratic values in their reportage of the upcoming electoral cycle.
Addressing the deteriorating security situation in the country, the NUJ urged the Federal Government to take “decisive steps” to halt the rising tide of attacks and killings.
The Council emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of current security strategies, while making a passionate appeal to leaders that “issues of insecurity should not be politicized,” noting that the protection of lives is a fundamental duty of the state.
The Union also turned its attention to the decaying infrastructure within the media industry, specifically calling on the Federal Government to prioritize the upgrade of government-owned media outfits.
The NEC observed that these institutions are currently in dire need of adequate budgetary provisions to improve both their physical infrastructure and the working conditions of staff.
Amidst these national concerns, the Council passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the leadership of Comrade Alhassan Yahya. The NEC commended the National President for his “significant strides in members’ welfare, training programmes, and innovations,” particularly highlighting the administration’s ability to successfully host the national meeting without relying on external financial support.