NUJ Equips Sokoto Journalists for Responsible Coverage of 2027 Elections
By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Sokoto State Council, has equipped journalists in the state with knowledge of cyber law, data protection and digital security to strengthen professional reporting ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The training was organised in collaboration with the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Sokoto State Chapter, during a one-day workshop held in Sokoto on Tuesday.
The workshop, themed “Reporting the 2027 Elections Responsibly: Cyber Law, Data Protection and Digital Safety for Journalists ” attracted participants from media organisations operating across the state.
Speaking at the event, the NUJ State Chairman, Comrade Usman Mohammed Binji, said the workshop was designed to prepare journalists for the emerging challenges of election coverage in an increasingly digital environment.
He explained that although online platforms had become indispensable tools for news gathering and dissemination, they also exposed journalists to cyber threats, legal complications, privacy breaches and the spread of misinformation.
Binji emphasised that a sound understanding of cyber law would enable journalists to operate within the law while protecting their rights and upholding constitutional provisions on freedom of expression and press freedom.
He described data protection as an essential aspect of ethical journalism, noting that media professionals frequently handle confidential sources and sensitive information that requires responsible management.
The chairman warned that careless handling or unauthorised disclosure of such information could put individuals at risk and erode public confidence in the media.
On digital security, he identified account hacking, phishing, identity theft, cyber attacks and online harassment as major threats facing journalists, urging them to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their work.
He recommended the use of strong passwords, two-factor authentication and vigilance against suspicious links as practical measures for improving digital safety.
As political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections, Binji cautioned that fake accounts, manipulated videos, fabricated claims and other forms of disinformation could mislead voters and heighten political tensions.
He consequently urged journalists to strengthen their verification processes, authenticate digital materials and ensure that reports published or broadcast by their organisations meet professional standards.
According to him, journalists have a crucial responsibility to provide accurate and balanced information that encourages peaceful electoral participation and enables citizens to make informed democratic choices.
He also called on participants to put the lessons from the workshop into practice, reaffirming the NUJ’s commitment to press freedom, professional ethics, journalists safety and continuous capacity building.
The participants applauded the NUJ and CSEAN for the initiative, describing the workshop as timely and beneficial to journalists preparing to cover the forthcoming general elections.
