By Ayomide Otitoju
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has emphasised that electoral victories depend on the public’s trust in the integrity of the process.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 All Nigerian Editors Conference in Abuja, Uzodimma stated that elections are won and lost not only on the strength of candidates or policies but also on whether voters believe the outcome will be legitimate.
“The reality heading into 2027 is that elections are determined by trust. That belief is shaped by whether citizens are exposed to fragmented, tribal narratives or cohesive, nation-building ones — and that is an editorial choice you make daily,” he told the gathering.
Uzodimma, who also serves as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, urged editors to uphold the ethical standards of journalism while using their platforms to strengthen national unity.
He commended the Nigerian media for its longstanding role in promoting accountability, noting that investigative reports have exposed corruption and amplified marginalised voices.
“You have published stories that held power accountable and given voice to the voiceless. These contributions are vital to democracy,” the governor said. “But what is often missing is journalism that intentionally builds cohesion, not just reports on its absence.”
He encouraged editors to balance their watchdog role with nation-building narratives, stressing that media framing should highlight shared values and a collective future rather than deepening divisions.
“You can hold government accountable without portraying every story as proof of dysfunction,” Uzodimma advised. “You can report electoral irregularities without implying that the entire system is corrupt, and you can cover political competition while reminding citizens that all contenders will eventually govern the same country.”
The governor called on journalists to serve as active catalysts of unity and cohesion as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
