The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, has urged political actors and stakeholders to embrace issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, rejecting blackmail, character assassination and cyberbullying in political engagements.

The union also urged journalists to remain professional, objective and non-partisan in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities before, during and after the elections.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s monthly Congress held on Saturday at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The communiqué was signed by the Secretary of the NUJ Oyo State Council, Temidayo Adu, on behalf of the Congress.

The Congress, held under the leadership of the NUJ Oyo State Council Chairman, Akeem Abas, deliberated on current affairs, the media landscape and the welfare and safety of journalists.

The union appealed to politicians and political gladiators to conduct their campaigns around issues and policies, rather than resorting to blackmail, character assassination and cyberbullying.

It also urged political parties and their candidates to utilise the NUJ Press Centre for media briefings and press conferences as electioneering activities intensify.

According to the Congress, the measure would help safeguard journalists and provide a secure environment for media engagements during the election period.

The union expressed concern over the growing volume of fake news, misinformation and unverified content circulating on social media platforms.

It called for effective enforcement of existing cyber laws to curb the dissemination of false information capable of causing public panic, social unrest and security breaches.

The Congress also urged journalists in Oyo State to maintain high levels of security awareness before, during and after the 2027 elections.

It warned members against attending press conferences or official engagements organised at undesignated or unofficial venues, stressing the need for journalists to prioritise their personal safety.

The union also called on security agencies to develop robust and proactive operational strategies to address public safety concerns throughout the electioneering and election periods.

On the welfare of journalists covering the elections, the Congress called on proprietors of media organisations to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for journalists deployed to cover political campaigns and elections.

The NUJ said such measures would provide journalists with greater protection and peace of mind while carrying out their professional responsibilities during the electoral period.