Media, CSOs Adopt 10-Point Plan: Security Accord, Fact-Check Desks Demanded for 2027 Elections

Media organizations and civil society groups have agreed on a 10-point roadmap to strengthen election coverage and protect journalists ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.

The resolutions were adopted on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at a media-CSO roundtable held at the UN House, Abuja. The forum was convened by Journalists for Human Rights (JHR) and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Participants included media houses, broadcast institutions, election observers, CSOs, and communication professionals.

In a communique released after the meeting the Key demands to INEC and security agencies are creating a verified central platform for real-time electoral data.

“INEC should run mandatory mock tests of election tech and formally recognize media as key electoral stakeholders.

“Post-election reports must document cases of journalist harassment and denial of access to polling units.

“Stakeholders called for a Security Accord involving media, CSOs, and security agencies to protect reporters during elections. They also want an Inter-Agency Consultative Security Committee with media/CSO members embedded.

“Set up a joint platform for sharing verified content and resources. CSOs should be mapped by expertise to help media sourcing, and field staff should serve as correspondents in areas without media presence.

“Every media organization should establish a dedicated fact-checking desk. Training should be institutionalized before, during, and after elections, with focus on AI tools and combating misinformation.

“Welfare & mental health which Newsrooms must provide insurance for staff and equipment, plus structured psychosocial support. The communique recommends post-trauma counseling, therapy, and mental health training for reporters deployed to conflict areas.

“The group also urged INEC to increase voter education to curb apathy, support BON’s proposed shared resource pool for election content, and create independent digital channels for journalists in underserved areas to submit reports.

“Participants reaffirmed their commitment to a free, safe, well-resourced”