The Association of Campus Journalists, Obafemi Awolowo University (ACJOAU), on Thursday, July 23, 2026, withdrew from the live coverage of the ongoing Great Ife Students' Union election, citing alleged harassment, intimidation and obstruction of its reporters by electoral officials at polling units on campus.
The decision was announced in a statement jointly signed by the association's President, Esther Olatimehin, and Public Relations Officer, Olanrewaju Lawal.
According to the statement, accredited ACJOAU reporters were denied access to several polling units despite identifying themselves as members of the association.
“This decision follows the persistent harassment, intimidation, and denial experienced by our reporters on the field while carrying out their legitimate duty of delivering situation reports across various polling units on campus.
“Despite identifying themselves as accredited members of ACJ, our members were prevented by electoral officials, particularly in the Faculties of Arts, Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Law and Social Sciences, from accessing these centres. In some cases, our reporters were manhandled, threatened, and deliberately obstructed from documenting proceedings.”
The association described the incidents as “a serious assault on press freedom”, saying the exclusion of its members from polling units raises concerns about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.
This development comes amid broader concerns over press freedom in Nigeria. Gags on press freedom and censorship have extended drastically to campus journalists. According to the Press Attack Tracker, an initiative of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), there have been 1,884 verified attacks on journalists and 59 verified journalist deaths since 1986.
ACJOAU said it had suspended live election updates and coverage until the safety of its members is guaranteed and reporters are granted unrestricted access to polling units.
“A credible election relies not only on the votes cast but also on the freedom of the press to observe, document, and report proceedings without fear, intimidation, or interference. Any attempt to silence journalists diminishes public trust in the democratic process and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that the Electoral Commission ought to uphold.”
The association reiterated its commitment to ethical, impartial and responsible journalism.
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