Western Post retreat renews focus on media ethics, electoral credibility in Nigeria
Experts have called for stronger media professionalism, improved internal democracy within political parties, and credible electoral processes as key requirements for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
The call was made over the weekend at the Western Post annual retreat held in Ibadan, Oyo State, themed “Periodic Elections, Internal Democracy, and the Role of the Media in a Multi-Party State”.
In his opening remarks, the founder of Western Post, Tunde Rahman, commended staff for their dedication and contributions to the growth of the organisation. He urged them to uphold journalistic ethics at all times amid the uncertainties in the nation’s political terrain and to ensure objectivity in their reportage.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Abubakar Oladeji of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) said Nigeria’s democracy remains “fledgling” and, at best, an “electoral authoritarian” system despite the regular conduct of elections.
He argued that periodic elections alone are not sufficient to sustain democracy, stressing that they only become meaningful when voters are presented with real political alternatives. According to him, the absence of credible choices, coupled with opaque party structures and elite dominance, weakens the democratic value of elections in the country.
Oladeji identified irregularities in party primaries such as vote-buying, delegate manipulation, and “kangaroo primaries”, warning that they undermine candidate legitimacy and fuel internal party crises. He added that elections are often influenced by identity politics, economic pressures, and elite bargaining, which limit genuine representation of the people’s will.
He urged journalists to adopt a scholarly and investigative approach to reporting, saying they must read widely, analyse deeply, and hold the political class accountable. “The effectiveness of a multiparty state does not only rely on the electoral system or season, but also on the media. It is essential and imperative that the media must take a scholarly approach to the process of governance,” he said.
He further noted that while the media plays an important role in informing citizens and shaping public debate, its independence is increasingly threatened by political ownership, disinformation, and financial dependence. He concluded that without transparent party processes and a truly independent press, elections cannot function as effective tools for accountability and representation.
Also speaking at the event, business analyst and columnist, Kola Amzat, stressed the importance of periodic elections, internal party democracy, and a free press as the foundation of a stable democracy. He said periodic elections promote accountability and peaceful transfer of power, while ensuring that diverse political voices are represented in governance.
Amzat explained that internal democracy within political parties ensures transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness in candidate selection and party management. He listed key elements to include open membership, regular elections, party conventions, and freedom of expression within party structures, while also emphasising the need for clear party constitutions, transparent financial systems, and strict codes of conduct.
On the role of the media, Amzat described it as a watchdog and a bridge between government, political actors, and citizens. He said the media is central to information dissemination, civic education, and agenda-setting, but warned that misinformation, political interference, and economic pressures continue to undermine its effectiveness.
Amzat also cautioned journalists to guard their credibility, adding that accuracy, timeliness, and integrity remain central to impactful reporting in a period of rising misinformation.
The highlight of the event featured separate presentations by the editor of the newspaper, Raphael Innocent, and veteran journalist, Sola Imoru, on language use and style for the organisation. They delivered refresher sessions on the technicalities of journalism practice and the English language.
The event, which was sponsored by Wema Bank, brought together academics, journalists, and policy analysts from different parts of the country.
Contributors: Eboselume Olutola and Deborah Oladejo
