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In a country where elections often feel like high-stakes battles, the media stands at the frontline, tasked with the vital responsibility of informing the public. Yet, the risks faced by journalists during elections in Nigeria are rarely in the spotlight. On a recent episode of Electoral Reform Half Hour on NTA News 24, Mr Imoni Amarere, a distinguished journalist and media executive with over three decades of experience, peeled back the curtain on the harsh realities of election coverage. With his extensive background in broadcast journalism and a career that includes serving as Director of News at Africa Independent Television (AIT), Mr Amarere offered an awakening perspective on the challenges and dangers faced by media professionals in the field.”Discussing the topic Electoral Reforms and the Role of the Media, Mr Amarere didn’t mince words when addressing the security threats looming over journalists during elections. “There is a big security risk in the coverage of elections in Nigeria,” he remarked. According to Mr Amarere, political thugs, power brokers, and local vested interests often target journalists who are simply trying to report the truth. In many cases, reporters find themselves caught in a difficult situation between providing objective coverage and facing intimidation or harassment from those determined to manipulate the outcome.

Beyond security risks, Mr. Amarere shed light on the severe logistical challenges facing Nigeria’s media landscape. Covering elections in 774 local governments is no easy feat, especially with inadequate financial support and a lack of basic tools like cameras and transportation. “You can imagine covering elections in 774 local governments, with limited resources and manpower,” he stated, underscoring how these limitations affect the ability of journalists to effectively monitor elections, particularly in remote areas where incidents of electoral violence are most likely to occur.

Mr Amarere also touched on the rising influence of social media, which, while offering new platforms for engagement, has opened the floodgates for misinformation and disinformation. “Social media has been used by politicians to misinform and disinform,” he noted. He emphasized the need for traditional media to strike a balance with the social media wave, ensuring that factual reporting remains central to shaping voter perceptions amid a sea of digital manipulation.

Reflecting on the state of journalism itself, Mr Amarere raised serious concerns about the lack of adequate training for journalists, especially in understanding complex electoral laws. He stressed that many journalists are unprepared to educate the public on governance and electoral processes because they lack the foundational knowledge themselves. “Unfortunately, many journalists are not properly informed about what they are supposed to educate the public on,” he lamented. Mr. Amarere called for continuous training to ensure journalists can provide accurate and insightful election coverage, with particular focus on editors who play a pivotal role in newsroom leadership.

In offering solutions, Mr Amarere advocated for better financial backing, proper equipment for reporters, and more secure working conditions. He also suggested live transmission of electoral litigations as a means to ensure transparency and prevent the misreporting of court proceedings. “Let’s have live transmission of electoral judicial disputes,” he proposed, adding that this could provide an objective record of court cases and foster trust in the electoral justice system.

In conclusion, Mr Imoni Amarere’s insights shed light on the multifaceted challenges that journalists face in covering elections. With security risks, logistical difficulties, and the growing influence of disinformation, the role of the media is both vital and perilous. His call for better resources, continuous training, and more transparent reporting mechanisms underscores the need to strengthen the media’s ability to support Nigeria’s democratic journey.