By Gabriel Ameh
Journalist and press freedom advocate, Livinus Chibuike Victor, has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen measures for the protection of journalists and other media workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Victor said journalists would play a crucial role in informing Nigerians, documenting electoral activities and reporting developments from polling units and other sensitive locations during the elections.
He stressed that media professionals must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, assault, unlawful detention or other forms of obstruction.
Victor urged the Federal Government, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to develop clear safety protocols for journalists covering the 2027 elections.
He also called for rapid-response mechanisms to address emergencies involving journalists and urged security personnel to understand and respect the rights of accredited media professionals operating at election-related locations.
According to Victor, protecting journalists should not be treated as a favour to the media but as an important part of protecting democracy and the public’s right to access credible information.
He further urged political parties, candidates, security agencies, media organisations and journalists’ associations to engage ahead of the elections and work together to create a safe environment for journalists to perform their professional responsibilities.
Victor said adequate protection for journalists would contribute to effective documentation of the electoral process and enable Nigerians to receive timely and credible information throughout the 2027 elections.
