2027: NUJ warns politicians against Money Politics in Niger

…Swears In New Chapels

By Daniel Ebi, Minna

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has urged political parties and aspirants to shun money politics and embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the need for candidates to present clear development plans to the electorate.

The council made the call in a communique issued at the end of its congress held at the IBB Pen House in Minna, Niger State.

The Nations News reports that the communique is signed by Daniel Atori, Chairman of the Communique Drafting Committee; Aishatu Lami Aliyu, Secretary; and Rita Shekwolo Iliya, member, and endorsed by the Council Secretary, Usman Chiji.

They however, urged governorship, senatorial and House of Representatives aspirants to use the NUJ platform to present their manifestoes and development agendas to journalists and the public.

The congress also cautioned against divisive political tendencies, urging voters to assess candidates based on their records, policies and capacity to address public concerns rather than financial inducements. 

It further advocated greater participation of women in political leadership and decision-making across the state.

On its internal administration, the congress directed chapel executives to obtain approval from the State Council before admitting new members, in line with the NUJ Constitution. 

The measure, it said, would strengthen membership verification, improve documentation and prevent unauthorised admissions.

As part of efforts to expand the union’s reach, the congress formally presented two newly established chapels—Nexter FM Chapel and Federated Online Chapel—and administered the oath of office to their interim executives. 

The new chapels were charged to uphold the NUJ Constitution and comply with the Code of Ethics for Nigerian Journalists.

Meanwhile, a proposal to establish chapels for Badeggi FM and MAW Trade FM under the Federated Radio Stations was stepped down for further constitutional review and the completion of the required procedures. 

The congress also urged members to remain up to date with their annual check-off dues, disclosing that the processing of official identification cards for verified members was ongoing.

The council announced that its forthcoming NUJ Press Week and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) conference activities were scheduled for the second week of November 2026. 

Activities lined up for the celebration include free medical check-ups, with a focus on eye care; the establishment of press clubs in public and private secondary schools; a fitness road walk; and a media summit.

The programme will also feature an award night and the launch of a book titled 50 Years of Development, Media, and Journalism in Niger State (1976–2026). 

The council further disclosed that preparations were underway for designated delegates attending the NAWOJ National Delegates Conference scheduled for November 2026 in Kano.

On government-media relations, the congress passed a vote of confidence in the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Obed Nuhu Nana, commending his efforts to promote cordial relations between the media and the state government.

It also acknowledged the commissioner, the Director-General of ICT, Suleiman Isah, and other officials for facilitating the installation of broadband internet facilities at the IBB Pen House. 

The congress commended the administration of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for supporting the initiative and urged the government to sustain its commitment to journalists’ welfare and effective media operations.

On security, the NUJ acknowledged the efforts of security agencies in tackling criminality but called for stronger security measures across the state. 

It also urged the immediate resumption of vigilante operations in areas where such activities had previously been suspended, describing community safety as essential to protecting lives, livelihoods and journalistic activities.

The NUJ Niger State Council reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom, improving members’ welfare, strengthening professional standards and promoting responsible journalism in the state.