The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Friday warned that Nigeria’s electoral processes remain vulnerable to misinformation while acknowledging the vital role of journalists in election coverage.
At the public presentation of The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists at The Electoral Institute in Abuja, Amupitan described the book, authored by INEC Press Corps Chairman Segun Ojumu, as a “comprehensive documentation of the sacrifices, risks, and behind-the-scenes experiences of reporters covering Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.”
He emphasized the growing relevance of the press corps, especially as political tensions rise ahead of the 2026 electoral calendar, which includes the FCT Area Council elections as well as governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
“Journalists are indispensable links between the commission’s operations and the voting public,” he said, citing their crucial role during the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Amupitan stated that misinformation, misinterpretation, and deliberate distortion can undermine even the strongest electoral systems.
He advised journalists to use official INEC channels for verification and emphasized that public trust, not technology, determines electoral credibility.
“Our official website and digital platforms are authoritative sources. The era of relying on rumors must end,” he said, calling for cooperation to combat electoral malpractice such as vote-buying and rigging.
The INEC chairman continued by praising Ojumu and the press corps for documenting electoral proceedings, emphasizing the importance of media coverage in ensuring election transparency and unity.
Segun Ojumu hailed his book as a testament to the bravery and evolution of Nigeria’s electoral press corps.
“This is a history of courage,” he said, highlighting the need for journalists to adapt to technological changes and analyze real-time data. He urged continuous training and resilience, stressing that democracy thrives when media workers are protected.
Key stakeholders attended the ceremony, including the Inspector-General of Police’s representative, Kayode Egbetokun; Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle; FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris; and senior INEC officials.
Misinformation has become a growing threat to Nigeria’s election environment in recent years, leading INEC to implement proactive methods such as real-time digital updates and contact with journalists to maintain public trust.
