President Bola Tinubu has urged the media to increase collaboration with his government to strengthen nation-building as he warmed up to journalists ahead of the 2027 presidential election. 

Mr Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday during the inaugural edition of the State House Press Corps in Abuja, where he acknowledged the frosty relations between his administration and the media. 

He, however, told journalists that they are only adversaries in line of duty, while imploring the media to work with him to build the country. 

“Tonight, we are gathered in one room pretending to be friends when, in truth, we are often adversaries,” Mr Tinubu stated. 

He added, “Now, before tomorrow’s headlines announce that the president has declared war on the media, let me quickly clarify we are adversaries only in the democratic sense, as the media constantly distrust those in power. In nation-building, we are partners.”

Speaking further, the president stressed that both the government and the media exist to serve Nigerians, and each party must carry out the duties entrusted to it. 

“The government exists to serve the people through leadership, policy, and public service. The media exists to serve society by watching those entrusted with power, asking difficult questions, and holding the government accountable,” Mr Tinubu added. 

Despite Mr Tinubu’s attempt to court the media ahead of the upcoming polls, there have been multiple reported cases of arbitrary arrests of journalists under his administration. 

Foundation for Investigative Journalism reporters Daniel Ojukwu and Sodeeq Atanda were both arrested by police in 2024 and 2025, respectively. 

Whistleblower Bristol Isaac Tamunobifiri, popularly known as PIDOM Nigeria, was also prosecuted by Mr Tinubu’s government.