Isiyaku Ahmed
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on journalists and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to strengthen their collaboration in defending electoral integrity, civic space, and democratic values in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, made the call on Wednesday while welcoming participants to a two-day Media and CSOs Workshop on Strengthening Media and CSOs for Electoral Integrity and Civic Space Protection in Nigeria in Kano.
The workshop, held at CHRICED Legacy House, Farawa, along Maiduguri Road, Kano, brought together media practitioners, civil society leaders, resource persons, and other stakeholders.
It has the objectives of strengthening media-CSO collaboration for issue-based political engagement and democratic accountability, equipping participants with tools for documenting and reporting civic space violations, including intimidation, harassment, and political thuggery, and developing joint action plans for sustained CSO-media engagement beyond election periods.
The goal is to enhance collaboration, capacity, and strategic action between media practitioners and CSOs in promoting electoral integrity, countering disinformation, and safeguarding civic space.
According to Comrade Zikirullahi, the workshop was organized at a time when Nigeria’s democracy was facing growing challenges, including threats to electoral integrity, shrinking civic space, disinformation, and political violence.
He urged participants to use the training to develop practical strategies for protecting civic space, countering disinformation, and promoting ethical and courageous journalism.
Comrade Zikirullahi said: “Stronger collaboration between the media and CSOs would help keep citizens informed, empower communities and strengthen democratic accountability.
“When journalists and CSOs join forces, communities become informed, citizens become empowered, and democracy becomes stronger.”
He also warned against attempts by powerful interests to weaken the media, divide civil society and undermine citizens’ participation in democratic processes.
Comrade Zikirullahi called on participants to reject intimidation and remain committed to defending citizens’ rights and amplifying voices that might otherwise be excluded from governance processes.
The CHRICED Boss expressed appreciation to Misereor-KZE, Germany, for its financial support towards the workshop, describing the organization as a key partner in efforts to promote justice and democratic integrity.
He also commended the CHRICED Board of Directors and staff for their commitment to the organization’s human rights and democracy mandate.
The workshop is expected to equip media practitioners and CSOs with knowledge and strategies to promote electoral integrity, protect civic space and strengthen citizens’ participation ahead of future electoral processes.
Prof. Kamilu Sani Fagge of the Department of Political Science, Bayero University, Kano, presented a paper on “Understanding Electoral Integrity in Nigeria,” focusing on the principles of electoral integrity, gaps in the country’s electoral processes, and the critical roles of the media and civil society organizations (CSOs) in promoting credible elections.
The legal and institutional framework for electoral integrity was examined by Prof. A. B. Ahmed of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano.
His presentation focused on electoral laws, civic rights, media freedom, and accountability mechanisms, highlighting the legal safeguards required to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic and electoral institutions.
A panel discussion on “Strengthening Media-CSO Collaboration for Credible Elections” also featured prominently at the workshop.
The session explored existing gaps in media-CSO collaboration, opportunities for stronger partnerships, and practical strategies for coordinated action before, during, and after elections was moderated by Dr. Ruqayyah Yusuf Aliyu of the Department of Information and Media Studies, Bayero University, Kano.
Media practitioners further participated in a session on “Ethical Journalism and Issue-Based Political Reporting,” which examined the responsibilities of journalists in providing accurate, balanced, and public-interest reporting during election periods.
The session, facilitated by Dr. Bala Muhammed of the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano, included interactive discussions, case studies, and group reflections designed to deepen participants’ understanding of ethical reporting and the challenges associated with political and electoral coverage.
CHRICED is a Nigerian nonprofit organization focused on promoting human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and accountability through research, civic education, advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and networking.
