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Comrade Christopher Isiguzo MFR, President of the Congress of African Nigerian Journalists and former National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), has emphasized the need for stronger media engagement in electoral processes while maintaining neutrality. Speaking on Electoral Reform Half Hour on NTANEWS24, he highlighted the role of journalists in shaping Nigeria’s democracy, ensuring electoral transparency, and increasing voter confidence.

During the discussion, Isiguzo stressed that journalists must work closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to create a conducive environment for electoral coverage. He recalled his tenure as NUJ President, during which he engaged security agencies including the police, Department of State Services (DSS) and military, to address the harassment of journalists covering elections. According to him, these engagements significantly reduced incidents of intimidation, fostering a more secure working atmosphere for media professionals.

Acknowledging that some journalists take political positions during elections, Isiguzo said neutrality is both possible and necessary. However, he pointed out that many media organizations are owned by politically exposed individuals, making complete neutrality difficult. Drawing parallels with developed democracies, he noted that while media outlets may have political leanings, they must still prioritize ethical journalism and serve public interest.

The conversation also touched on voter apathy, with Isiguzo expressing concerns over persistently low voter turnout despite extensive media campaigns encouraging participation. He argued that the responsibility to boost voter confidence does not lie solely with the media but also with INEC and political actors. According to him, when election results do not reflect the will of the people, trust in the process diminishes, discouraging participation in future elections. He urged electoral stakeholders to restore faith in the system, as no amount of media advocacy would be effective if voters lacked confidence in election outcomes.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s post-election climate, he criticized the tendency of political actors to continuously contest election results, rather than focusing on governance. He observed that in other democracies, political discussions shift to governance after elections, but in Nigeria, electoral disputes persist long after results have been announced. He urged politicians to prioritize service delivery over prolonged political battles, noting that endless contestation distracts from national development.

The rise of digital journalism and social media was another key topic. Isiguzo acknowledged the decline of traditional print journalism but argued that professional journalists must take a more active role in digital spaces. He lamented that untrained individuals dominate social media platforms, leading to misinformation and disinformation. He urged journalists to invade these platforms with credible content to counter fake news and maintain public trust in media reporting.

On proposed electoral reforms, Isiguzo weighed in on the debate over holding all elections in one day, noting that while the idea is attractive, Nigeria may not yet have the necessary structures to implement it effectively. Drawing comparisons with the United States, where elections take place over several days, he advised Nigeria to focus on strengthening existing electoral systems before making such a drastic shift. He cautioned that logistical challenges, security concerns, and the complexity of managing multiple elections simultaneously could further strain INEC’s capacity.

Isiguzo also endorsed diaspora voting, stating that Nigerians abroad should have a say in determining the leadership of their home country. However, he emphasized the need to first build trust in Nigeria’s electoral process before expanding voting rights internationally. He maintained that electoral credibility must be strengthened domestically before introducing new voting mechanisms.

As the discussion concluded, he outlined three key electoral reforms that should be prioritized by civil society, policymakers, and the media. First, he called for greater engagement with political actors to cultivate a mindset that accepts both victory and defeat in elections. Second, he advocated for enhanced collaboration between INEC and security agencies to ensure credible elections. Finally, he urged the media to take a more active role in educating voters, fighting misinformation, and holding electoral stakeholders accountable.

The Electoral Reform Half Hour program continues to provide a platform for critical discussions on Nigeria’s democratic process, with experts like Isiguzo shedding light on the challenges and opportunities ahead of the 2027 elections.