Build cohesion, Not division ahead of 2027 elections – Uzodimma to Editors

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said that electoral victories depend largely on the level of public trust in the process and not just on the quality of candidates or policies presented.

Uzodimma made this remark on Wednesday while addressing participants at the 2025 All Nigerian Editors Conference held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

“The reality heading into 2027 is that elections are won and lost not only on policies or candidates but on whether voters believe the outcome will be legitimate,” he said.

The governor, who also chairs the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, said the credibility of elections is often shaped by the narratives that dominate public discourse.

“That belief is shaped by whether they have been hearing fragmented, tribal narratives or cohesive, nation-building ones. And that is an editorial choice you make daily,” Uzodimma told the gathering of editors.

He urged journalists to use their platforms responsibly and remain committed to the ethics of the profession, stressing that the media wields significant power in influencing national stability.

Uzodimma commended Nigerian editors for their contributions to democracy through investigative journalism and advocacy for transparency.

“You have published reports that held power accountable. Through your coverage, you have amplified marginalised voices,” he said.

The governor noted that journalism has been instrumental in exposing corruption and amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups but called for more efforts in fostering national unity through reportage.

‘Journalism Must Build Cohesion, Not Division’

Uzodimma cautioned against editorial approaches that perpetuate division or hopelessness, saying the media should actively promote narratives that unite Nigerians.

“There is a difference between neutrally documenting division and actively choosing narratives that remind Nigerians of shared values, shared stakes, and a shared future,” he said.

He added, “You report on ethnic tension, regional disparities, and religious conflict, as you should. But how often do your editorial choices highlight what binds us rather than what divides us?”

The governor emphasised that the media’s watchdog role should not translate into constant negativity about governance.

“None of this requires abandoning your watchdog function,” he said.

“You can hold the government accountable and avoid framing every accountability story as evidence of irredeemable dysfunction. You can report electoral irregularities and avoid suggesting that the entire system is corrupt.”

He also encouraged journalists to cover political competition responsibly, reminding citizens that “competitors will govern the same country afterwards.”

Uzodimma concluded by urging editors to act as catalysts of cohesion and stability as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

He said, “As editors, you have a critical role in shaping the conversations that determine whether Nigerians approach 2027 with faith in democracy or with fear of division.”

The conference, attended by top media executives, policymakers, and communication experts, focused on the role of journalism in sustaining democratic values and promoting national unity in an election cycle.