By Seen Ibukun Oni
An open letter dated February 19, 2026, has raised concerns over alleged exclusion of digitally inclined journalists from media engagements at the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The letter, addressed to Mr. Abimbola Tooki, Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy to the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, calls for a more inclusive approach to media relations within the ruling party.
Signed by ’Seun Ibukun-Oni, Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Courier, the correspondence congratulated Tooki on his appointment but expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as a growing divide between two categories of accredited journalists covering the party — traditional media practitioners and digital-first reporters.
According to the letter, journalists at the APC headquarters in Abuja are informally grouped into “old guards,” largely from print, radio, and television platforms, and “new guards,” made up of younger, digitally driven reporters operating across online and social media platforms.
The writer argued that while both groups are officially accredited, recent media engagements and communications have allegedly favored traditional media practitioners. The letter claims that exclusive meetings, press materials, and welfare-related interactions have been directed primarily toward the older press corps, sidelining newer entrants.
Ibukun-Oni maintained that such a development, if unaddressed, could limit the party’s media reach at a time when digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse. He noted that modern journalism emphasizes real-time reporting, multimedia storytelling, and direct audience engagement, elements he said are essential in today’s information ecosystem.
The letter further cautioned that selective engagement may carry reputational risks for both the media adviser and the party leadership, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has emphasized strategic communication under its Renewed Hope agenda.
Drawing on historical experience within the party, the writer argued that reliance on traditional media channels alone may no longer suffice in an era defined by decentralized and digital communication networks.
He urged the media aide to adopt what he described as a balanced and inclusive engagement strategy, granting equal access and recognition to all accredited journalists regardless of platform.
The letter concluded with a call for dialogue and institutional reforms that reflect the evolving realities of Nigeria’s media landscape.
As of press time, there was no official response from the APC or the office of the Special Adviser regarding the concerns raised in the letter.
