Covering elections in Nigeria is not for the faint-hearted. It is a demanding, often chaotic, and high-stakes process where journalists navigate a complex web of political intrigues, logistical hurdles, and personal risks to keep the electorate informed. Behind every headline about election campaigns and results lies a story of grit, resilience, and, often, sacrifice by reporters working tirelessly to bring the truth to the public. This feature takes you behind the scenes of election reporting in Nigeria, highlighting the challenges journalists face and the strategies they employ to overcome them.
Navigating the Political Minefield
One of the first challenges Nigerian journalists encounter during elections is navigating the highly polarized political landscape. Political parties often view the media as either an ally or an adversary, depending on the tone of coverage. Journalists face accusations of bias, threats, and sometimes outright hostility if their reporting does not align with the interests of powerful political actors.
Take, for instance, the experience of Ada, a political correspondent for a national newspaper. During the last general election, her balanced report on a gubernatorial candidate’s controversial policies earned her threats from both the candidate’s supporters and detractors. “You’re always walking a tightrope,” she explains. “Any perceived bias can make you a target, even when you’re just doing your job.”
Access and Logistical Challenges
Another significant hurdle is access to credible information. In the heat of election campaigns, misinformation and propaganda spread like wildfire. Journalists must sift through a mountain of conflicting reports to find the truth. This challenge is compounded by the reluctance of some political actors to grant interviews or share verifiable data.
Furthermore, logistics pose a formidable obstacle. Nigeria’s vast and diverse terrain means journalists often have to travel long distances to cover rallies, town hall meetings, and polling stations. Poor road networks, unreliable public transportation, and occasional fuel scarcity make this task even more daunting.
Tolu, a field reporter for a Lagos-based television station, recounts an incident during the 2019 elections. “I was assigned to cover voting in a rural community. We got stuck on a bad road for hours and almost missed the closing of the polls. It’s not just about covering the news; it’s about overcoming these logistical nightmares to do so,” she says.
Security Concerns
Security is another major issue that journalists covering elections in Nigeria must contend with. Political campaigns can turn violent, and journalists often find themselves in the line of fire. Reports of clashes between rival supporters, attacks on polling stations, and other election-related violence are not uncommon.
In some instances, journalists are directly targeted. During the 2015 general elections, a prominent investigative reporter narrowly escaped an attack by political thugs while covering a rally in Rivers State. “I had to leave my equipment behind and run for my life,” he recalls. Such incidents underline the risks journalists face in the course of their duties.
Pressure from Employers and the Public
Election coverage is a competitive field, and journalists often face immense pressure from their employers to deliver exclusive stories and breaking news. This pressure can lead to burnout, especially during extended election periods. Additionally, the public’s high expectations for timely and accurate information add to the strain.
Social media has amplified this challenge. With citizen journalists and social media users sharing real-time updates, professional journalists must constantly verify and contextualize information to stay ahead. The demand for speed and accuracy often feels like walking a tightrope.
Coping Mechanisms and Strategies
Despite these challenges, Nigerian journalists have devised strategies to navigate the complexities of election coverage. Collaboration is a key tool. Journalists often work in teams to share the workload and cross-verify information. This approach not only enhances accuracy but also ensures safety, as reporters can look out for one another in volatile situations.
Training and preparedness also play a crucial role. Media organizations increasingly invest in training their reporters on election coverage, equipping them with skills in data journalism, fact-checking, and crisis reporting. Some journalists also take personal safety precautions, such as hiring local guides and avoiding politically charged gatherings without adequate security.
Technology has become an invaluable ally in election reporting. Mobile phones, drones, and social media platforms enable journalists to gather and disseminate information quickly, even in remote locations. These tools also help reporters stay connected with their editors and colleagues, ensuring a coordinated approach to coverage.
The Ethical Dilemma
Election coverage in Nigeria often brings ethical dilemmas to the fore. Journalists must balance the public’s right to know with the potential consequences of their reporting. For instance, reporting unverified election results or inflammatory statements can escalate tensions and lead to violence.
To navigate this, many journalists adhere to strict editorial guidelines and prioritize verification over speed. “It’s better to be late and accurate than to rush and get it wrong,” says Chinedu, an editor with an online news platform. Ethical journalism, though challenging, remains the cornerstone of credible election coverage.
A Call for Support
The challenges of election reporting in Nigeria highlight the need for greater support for journalists. Media organizations must prioritize the safety and well-being of their staff by providing adequate training, resources, and insurance coverage. Governments and political actors must also respect the role of the press and ensure a safe environment for journalists to operate.
The public, too, has a role to play. By supporting credible journalism and rejecting fake news, citizens can create a more enabling environment for reporters to do their jobs effectively.
Election reporting in Nigeria is a test of endurance, courage, and integrity. Despite the numerous challenges, journalists continue to rise to the occasion, driven by their commitment to informing the public and upholding democracy. As the country prepares for future elections, it is crucial to recognize and address the hurdles journalists face. Only then can we ensure a more transparent, fair, and inclusive electoral process.
