NDPC
Ola Wale
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has urged journalists to adopt stricter ethical standards and responsible information management as the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections. The call was made during the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council, where the commission framed responsible reporting as central to defending democracy in an era of widespread disinformation. NDPC officials said the growing influence of digital platforms means the press carries more weight in shaping public perception and trust.
National Commissioner Vincent Olatunji, represented by Head of Media Unit Itunu Dosekun, described the event’s theme “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation” as timely. He warned that the rapid spread of false and misleading information can erode public confidence in democratic processes and institutions. According to him, the media’s role as a gatekeeper of truth has become more critical than ever, especially when unverified content can go viral within minutes and influence voter behavior.
Olatunji commended journalists for their commitment to fact-checking and public enlightenment but stressed that more attention is needed on data protection and privacy during news gathering. He pointed to the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 as the legal framework that should guide how personal data is handled in reporting. The commission argued that ethical handling of personal information is not separate from journalistic integrity but directly tied to maintaining a credible information ecosystem.
The NDPC also highlighted that compliance with data protection laws helps reduce the risk of defamation, doxxing, and reputational harm that can arise from careless publishing of personal details. Journalists were encouraged to seek consent where required, avoid unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data, and ensure that sources are protected. The commission said these practices build trust between the media and the public at a time when skepticism toward information is high.
The call comes amid broader concerns about press freedom and professional standards in Nigeria. Recent studies have shown that economic hardship and legal threats contribute to self-censorship and the use of brown-envelope journalism, which further weakens public trust. NDPC officials noted that strengthening ethical practices, including respect for privacy, can counter some of these pressures by reinforcing the media’s credibility as an independent source of information.
Ahead of 2027, the commission framed responsible reporting as a safeguard against electoral manipulation and social division. Disinformation around elections has already shown how quickly narratives can polarize communities and depress turnout, even when official processes are sound. By paying attention to accuracy, context, and data ethics, journalists can help maintain public confidence in the electoral process rather than amplify conflict.
The NDPC’s message aligns with similar appeals from other institutions, including UNICEF and the Nigerian Press Council, which have run workshops on ethical journalism, child rights reporting, and public trust in the digital age. Across these engagements, the common thread has been that professionalism is tested under pressure, not absent in it. Editors and reporters were urged to see ethical standards as a professional obligation rather than an optional ideal.
As political activity intensifies ahead of 2027, the commission said it will continue to engage with media stakeholders to promote lawful and credible information practices. The expectation is that journalists will balance speed with accuracy, resist the incentive to sensationalize, and treat personal data with the same care given to facts.
