NDPC tasks Journalists on ethics, data protection ahead of 2027 elections

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on journalists across the country to uphold ethical standards, professionalism, and responsible information management as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Vincent Olatunji, made the call in a goodwill message delivered during the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.

He was represented at the event by the Head of Media Unit of the commission, Itunu Dosekun.

Olatunji described the event theme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” as timely, noting that the rise of digital platforms has significantly increased the spread of misinformation and disinformation in public discourse.

According to him, fake news and false narratives pose serious risks to public trust and democratic stability, making the role of journalists as credible gatekeepers of truth more critical than ever.

“In an era where disinformation can easily undermine public trust and democratic processes, the role of the press as a credible gatekeeper of truth has never been more important,” he said.

He urged journalists to pay closer attention to data protection and privacy in their reporting, stressing that compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 is essential for building trust and safeguarding the information ecosystem.

Olatunji further encouraged media practitioners to embrace responsible journalism, fact-checking, and ethical handling of personal data as part of their professional duty ahead of the 2027 elections.

The NDPC reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with the media to promote digital literacy, curb misinformation, and strengthen the integrity of information dissemination in the electoral process.