The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday hosted a strategic forum for media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities in Awka, Anambra State, as part of preparations for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
The forum served as a platform to deepen collaboration between INEC and the media, with an emphasis on combating misinformation, promoting voter education, and fostering public trust in the electoral process
In her welcome address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, emphasized the vital role of the media in safeguarding democracy and promoting credible elections.
She noted that while INEC bears the constitutional mandate to conduct elections, media professionals are indispensable partners in delivering accurate and balanced information to the public.
She urged journalists to continue to educate citizens, counter misinformation, and support INEC’s efforts in conducting credible polls.
Everyone has a duty to vote and support the process,” she added.
Dr. Agwu encouraged the media to remain balanced in their reporting. “Your neutrality matters. Sometimes only one person knows you’re being fair, others may not, but keep doing what’s right,” she said.
Representing the Hon. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun (mni), the Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, delivered the opening remarks.
He described the forum as a reaffirmation of INEC’s commitment to transparency and openness.
Mr. Ifogah praised journalists for their professionalism during the recent by-election and reiterated INEC’s readiness for the November 8 poll.
“Non-sensitive materials have already been delivered, and sensitive ones will arrive shortly under strict security,” he assured.
He announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) are available for collection from October 22 to 26 at registration wards, urging the media to help in mobilizing voters.
The Commission also emphasized its stance against fake news, calling on media professionals to verify all reports before publication. “Let truth run faster than lies this election season,” Mr. Ifogah urged.
He reminded participants that the media accreditation portal will close on Thursday, October 24, with no extension. Accredited journalists can collect their tags from NUJ Secretariat, Awka, starting November 3.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State, Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, the Secretary, Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, applauded INEC for convening the forum and reiterated the NUJ’s commitment to supporting free and fair elections.
He, however, stressed the need for greater collaboration, especially during election periods. “We need accessible communication. Provide active phone lines or assign desk officers journalists can contact for verification,” he said.
The Head of Department ICT (INEC), Engr. Emeka Nnaji, Speaking during the forum noted that the deployment of BVAS and IReV has significantly enhanced transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections.
According to him, the innovations have been crucial in tackling longstanding challenges such as voter impersonation, multiple voting, and result manipulation.
“BVAS has proven effective in authenticating voters through biometric verification, while IReV has empowered citizens to track election results in real time,” he stated.
He added that the real-time upload of results from polling units to the IReV portal has improved public trust and reduced incidents of electoral malpractice.
While acknowledging the progress made, Engr. Nnaji also emphasized the need for strategic improvements to further optimize the performance of these technologies.
In a detailed presentation, Bar. Olachi Chioma, Head of Legal Services, explained the critical responsibilities of the media under the Electoral Act 2022.
She urged media organizations to enforce compliance with the 24-hour campaign blackout before elections and to uphold legal standards in political reporting.
“The media must activate their compliance clocks and pull all political advertising 24 hours before polls open. Non-compliance attracts penalties,” she warned.
Operational Briefing on Election Day Procedures
Ejimofor Ejikeme, Head of Electoral Operations, took participants through best practices for voting, demonstrating ballot folding and voting procedures.
The workshop concluded with a consensus on the need for ongoing engagement between INEC and the media. The forum reaffirmed the media’s indispensable role in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Anambra State.
Participants commended the Commission for the inclusive initiative and pledged to continue serving as watchdogs of democracy through responsible journalism.
