ASKOMP Leads Conversation on Media Ethics Ahead of Kwara 2027 Elections

The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) on Friday convened its maiden media roundtable on the 2027 General Elections in Kwara State, with a strong emphasis on professionalism, ethics, and objectivity in political reporting.

The roundtable, held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Ilorin, was themed “Kwara 2027: Media, Politics, and the Search for Credible Leadership.”

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of ASKOMP, Comrade Salihu Shola Taofeeq, said the initiative was necessitated by the increasing political activities in the state, despite the fact that official campaigns for the 2027 elections are yet to commence.

He noted that political discussions, alliances, and ambitions are already unfolding across formal and informal spaces, accompanied by rising cases of propaganda, misinformation, and sponsored narratives alongside legitimate democratic engagement.

According to him, the media plays a decisive role in shaping public perception during such periods, stressing that information management is a powerful responsibility that can either strengthen or undermine democracy.

Comrade Taofeeq described the 2027 general elections as a defining moment for Kwara State, noting that it would test the state’s political maturity, inclusiveness, accountability, and fairness, as well as the commitment of journalists to remain watchdogs of democracy rather than tools of political convenience.

He further highlighted the growing influence of online media, explaining that elections are no longer contested only at polling units but also across digital platforms such as blogs, social media timelines, messaging applications, and online news portals, where speed and virality often compete with accuracy and verification.

The ASKOMP chairman urged media practitioners to resist sensationalism, emotional reporting, and political patronage, emphasizing that truth, accuracy, fairness, and ethical standards remain the core values of journalism.

He said the roundtable was designed to encourage self-reflection among journalists on whether their reports truly serve the public interest or merely promote political actors, adding that the credibility of journalism must outlive any political administration.

Speaking after his presentation, Dr. Bakare Rafiu, Deputy Director at the Institute for Legislative Studies, University of Ilorin, said the engagement was aimed at promoting objectivity among online journalists.

He cautioned journalists against allowing personal emotions, sentiments, and value judgments to influence political analysis, stressing that credible journalism is essential for informed decision-making and good governance in Kwara State.

Also speaking, the Kwara State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Babatunde Abdulwaheed, commended ASKOMP for organizing the roundtable and urged journalists to adhere strictly to the guidance offered by the guest speakers.

He warned against biased reporting driven by personal political sympathies, emphasizing that credibility and reliability must remain the cornerstone of journalism. He added that the APC operates a functional internal democratic system and expressed confidence that new members joining the party would align with the party’s constitution and values.

Alhaji Abdulwaheed attributed recent defections to the APC to the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in governance, policy implementation, and development, adding that the party was not threatened by new entrants.

On his part, the Acting Director of the Kwara State University (KWASU) Centre for Politics and Corporate Governance, Dr. Ibrahim Ogirima Salawu, emphasized the importance of zoning in Nigeria’s political landscape, describing it as a principle rooted in natural justice that promotes inclusive leadership.

According to him, zoning plays a key role in consolidating democracy and strengthening democratic life, urging political stakeholders to embrace it as a guiding principle for equity and fairness in governance.

However, he cautioned that zoning must produce competent and credible candidates, stressing that it should not be sustained at the expense of good governance if it fails to deliver capable leadership.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Abdulrasheed Gbagba, said Nigeria and Kwara State were witnessing a renewed political awakening, expressing optimism that a “new Nigeria” is achievable.

He stated that the ADC is firmly established in Kwara State and continues to enjoy growing public trust, assuring that the party would present credible and competent candidates for the 2027 general elections.