Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, has acknowledged the media's significant contribution to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. He highlighted that journalistic reporting influences political behaviour and public expectations during election periods.
Consequently, he appealed to media practitioners nationwide to distance themselves from politicians who promote division and to prioritize the nation's unity and progress.
The AGF made these remarks on Thursday in Abuja at the annual conference organised by the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
"The preparatory activities for the 2027 general elections have begun, and the media has a crucial part to play. As the primary conduit between INEC, political figures, and the more than 90 million prospective voters, the press shapes expectations, fosters trust, and influences behaviour both before votes are cast and after results are announced.
"It is in this context that I implore the media to resist being platforms for political actors seeking to fracture our nation. The media must remember that our country must exist before we can discuss elections. Therefore, as stakeholders, the media must refuse to be used as tools of division. Those who incite hatred must be stopped," the minister stated.
Fagbemi, who was represented by Hussein Oloyede, his Special Assistant on Legislative Drafting, further criticized individuals he termed "political desperadoes," cautioning them to conduct themselves responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
"Those who have lost their sense of patriotism must understand that they will not be permitted to set the country ablaze. I must state respectfully that relevant government agencies will not be impeded from carrying out their duties if anyone violates the law.
"The government will not yield to blackmail, regardless of who is involved. Violence, hate speech, or any other criminal tendencies will not be tolerated in any form," he asserted.
He urged all Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and protect the nation's unity as the elections draw nearer. He also noted that the administration led by President Bola Tinubu views the media as partners and is committed to ensuring journalists can perform their duties without intimidation or threats.
Similarly, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, cautioned journalists, particularly those covering the judiciary, against misrepresenting court proceedings and judgments. She warned that sensational reporting could erode public trust in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.
In her keynote address, Kekere-Ekun emphasized the media's vital role in shaping public understanding of judicial processes, noting that the judiciary's influence extends beyond court decisions to how these rulings are communicated to the public.
"In any constitutional democracy, the strength of institutions is assessed not only by the decisions they make but also by the extent to which those decisions are understood, trusted, and accepted by society," she remarked.
The CJN, whose address was delivered by Justice Babatunde Adejumo, Administrator of the National Judicial Institute (NJI), stressed that judiciary correspondents serve as an essential link between the Bench and the public, describing their role as "democratic in character" and indispensable for maintaining trust in the administration of justice.
Kekere-Ekun warned that inaccurate, incomplete, or sensational reporting of court proceedings could undermine the Rule of Law, emphasizing that even the most well-reasoned judgments only achieve their purpose when the public understands them correctly.
"Misinterpretation or sensationalism can inadvertently erode confidence in the judiciary, while accurate and balanced reporting strengthens institutional credibility," she stated.
Acknowledging the inherent complexities of legal reporting, the CJN noted that court proceedings are often technical and require careful interpretation, especially given that journalists often work under tight deadlines and editorial pressures.
She nonetheless urged media practitioners to prioritize accuracy, context, and fairness in their reports, particularly as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to her, disputes arising from elections will test the resilience of democratic institutions, placing a dual responsibility on the judiciary to render impartial decisions and on the media to communicate these outcomes responsibly.
"At such junctures, restraint, professionalism, and adherence to truth become national imperatives. Misrepresentation can escalate tensions, while principled reporting fosters understanding and peaceful democratic processes," she added.
The CJN also highlighted the judiciary's duty to enhance transparency through clearer communication and timely dissemination of non-confidential information, without compromising judicial independence.
She described the conference as a valuable forum for strengthening the collaborative relationship between the Bench and the media, noting that continuous engagement and professional development are crucial for combating misinformation and deepening public trust.
Kekere-Ekun commended NAJUC for its dedication to capacity building and ensuring informed reporting of judicial activities, officially opening the conference and expressing optimism that its proceedings would further bolster Nigeria's democracy.
Earlier in his welcome address, Mr. Kayode Lawal, the chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, advocated for judicial reforms to protect democracy in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.
While highlighting concerns regarding the integrity of Nigeria's justice system, Lawal warned that conflicting court orders, especially in politically charged cases, pose a significant risk to national stability.
He pointed to a recent disagreement involving parallel rulings from the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s 2025 convention as a disturbing instance of judicial inconsistency. He suggested that such occurrences could erode public confidence and potentially lead to political unrest.
"This situation is capable of causing chaos and igniting the political landscape," he commented, characterizing the trend as "worrying and pathetic."
The conference, centered on the theme "The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria," aims to facilitate dialogue between legal professionals and the media while addressing systemic challenges within the judiciary.
Lawal also expressed alarm over a growing public perception that justice in Nigeria is compromised. Referencing statements made at a recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, he noted concerns about the erosion of the rule of law and the manipulation of judicial processes by influential entities.
He urged the judiciary to demonstrate greater independence, proposing the establishment of an autonomous funding mechanism to reduce reliance on the executive branch of government.
Lawal also called upon the NBA to enhance disciplinary actions against legal practitioners involved in unethical conduct, including facilitating conflicting court orders, stating, "As the 2027 elections draw near, the judiciary must rise to the occasion and reassert its position as the last hope of the common man."
He cautioned against a developing trend where politicians allegedly dismiss electoral irregularities by advising aggrieved parties to seek legal recourse, emphasizing that such attitudes could further diminish trust in democratic institutions.
The NAJUC chairman also extended his appreciation to the National Judicial Council (NUJ) and other benefactors for their contributions to the conference, while thanking his colleagues for their support during his tenure.
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