Media professionals and communication experts have called on journalists covering the lead-up to the Ekiti 2026 political cycle to prioritise issue-based reporting while embracing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance newsroom efficiency and accuracy.
The call was made during a media engagement forum held in Ado-Ekiti, where stakeholders examined the role of emerging technologies in modern journalism and the need to improve the quality of political coverage.
Participants at the forum stressed that election reporting must shift away from personality-driven narratives toward governance-focused analysis, especially in areas such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
In a statement attributed to the Ekiti State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the union noted that journalists must adapt to technological changes while maintaining ethical standards.
“The future of journalism in election coverage depends on how well practitioners integrate technology like AI without compromising verification and editorial integrity,” the NUJ statement read.
A communication technology consultant, identified in the session report as Dr Adebayo Fagbohun, Media Innovation Specialist, said AI tools are already transforming news production and fact-checking processes.
“AI is no longer optional in modern journalism. It is becoming a core part of how information is gathered, verified, and delivered. However, it must be used responsibly to avoid misinformation risks,” he said.
Another media analyst, Mrs Tolu Ajayi, Governance Communication Expert, emphasised the importance of issue-based election reporting.
“Ekiti 2026 should be defined by policy conversations, not political drama. Journalists must focus on measurable development indicators and campaign promises that affect citizens directly,” she said.
The forum also warned against the misuse of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes and manipulated visuals, and urged media organisations to strengthen their editorial verification systems.
In his remarks, a senior editor with a Lagos-based media house, Mr Kunle Sanni, said AI should be seen as a support tool rather than a replacement for journalists.
“Artificial intelligence strengthens newsroom productivity, but editorial judgment remains a human responsibility. Trust in journalism depends on how ethically we apply these tools,” he said.
The engagement ended with a joint call for collaboration among media organisations, tech developers, and civil society groups to promote responsible digital journalism ahead of the 2026 elections in Ekiti State.
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