Media, Not Guns, Can Destroy Elections—FCT NUJ Chairman Sounds Warning Ahead of FCT Polls
By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
With exactly weeks to the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday threw down a clear warning against misinformation, fake news and reckless reporting, declaring that elections are “won or lost not only at polling units, but in the information space.”
This was the resounding message at the INEC Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters and Online Personalities, held Tuesday at Novare Mall, Wuse, where electoral officials, journalists and media stakeholders met to fine-tune preparations ahead of the high-stakes polls.
Opening the forum, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for FCT, Malam Aminu Idris, said public confidence in the electoral process rests as much on media reporting as on INEC’s conduct.
“Elections are judged not only by how they are conducted, but by how they are reported, interpreted and communicated to the public,” he said.
Mal. Idris assured that the Commission was fully committed to delivering a peaceful, transparent, credible and inclusive election, but stressed that this objective would collapse without professional, ethical and responsible media support.
“As the election approaches, the media will play a decisive role in voter education, countering misinformation and disinformation, providing factual and issue-based reporting, and supporting peace through responsible headlines and narratives,” he warned.
The REC expressed concern over the dangers posed by the speed of information in the digital era, noting that unverified reports and misleading content could easily undermine public trust.
“Fake news and unverified information carry serious risks. This forum is essential to reinforce shared responsibility and professional standards,” Idris added.
He Unveils Readiness Scorecard
Providing an update on preparedness, the FCT REC disclosed that 10 out of 13 activities on INEC’s election timetable had already been concluded.
Completed activities include:
Monitoring of political party primaries
Publication and release of the final list of candidates
Public monitoring of campaigns
Engagement with stakeholders
Delivery of non-sensitive election materials
Presentation of the voter register to political parties
“What remains are the notice of poll, the formal close of campaigns, and the election itself,” he said.
INEC also confirmed that the election will feature 1,680,315 registered voters across the FCT.
In a move aimed at boosting efficiency on election morning, the Commission approved additional Registration Area Centres (RACs).
New centres have been established in Dutsi, Adaji and Kumba wards of Bwari Area Council, as well as Warimba and Kabusa wards in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Taking the floor, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IPEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the FCT Area Council election is fundamentally different from local government elections conducted by states.
Citing Section 299 of the 1999 Constitution, he explained that the FCT is treated “as if it were one of the states of the federation.”
“In practical terms, the FCT Area Council elections are like governorship and state elections. In fact, the FCT has a larger voting population than some states,” he said.
He noted that because Abuja is the nation’s capital and seat of government, the election attracts national and international scrutiny.
Mal Haruna described the 2026 poll as historic, noting that it is the first FCT Area Council election conducted under the four-year tenure introduced by the 2022 Electoral Act.
“This is the first election since the tenure was extended from three to four years. That alone makes it critical,” he said.
He also raised alarm over declining voter participation since 1999, urging the media to help reverse the trend.
“Effective, professional coverage builds confidence and encourages participation. This is where the media becomes indispensable,” Agna stressed.
He urged journalists to master the Constitution, Electoral Act, and INEC guidelines, warning that ignorance of the rules fuels misinformation.
“Beyond knowledge, integrity and professionalism are non-negotiable,” he added.
In a strongly worded intervention, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, said elections are increasingly being fought in the media space.
Speaking on behalf of the Union, the NUJ Chairman Comrade Grace Ike said:
“Elections are not won only at polling units. They are also won and lost in the information space.”
She warned that unchecked misinformation could poison public perception, undermine institutions and threaten peace.
The NUJ Chairman called for zero tolerance for hate speech, incitement and divisive narratives, stressing that the FCT belongs to all Nigerians.
“Our platforms must not become weapons in the hands of desperate politicians. Our reports must heal, not harm,” the union said.
The union also issued a firm demand for the protection of journalists before, during and after the election.
“No journalist must be harassed, assaulted, threatened or denied access. Reporters covering elections are not enemies,” the NUJ declared.
It called on INEC, security agencies, political parties and their supporters to guarantee the safety of journalists and their equipment.
Comrade Grace urged INEC to maintain strong, transparent and timely communication, warning that silence during elections creates a vacuum quickly filled by fake news.
“In an election season, silence empowers misinformation,” the union said.
As the countdown continues, stakeholders agreed on one point: the 2026 FCT Area Council election must be remembered for credibility, transparency and peace.
INEC and the media, both sides acknowledged, will either win or lose public trust together.
