The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Friday, cautioned that Nigeria’s electoral system remains vulnerable to misinformation, even as he acknowledged the critical role of journalists in safeguarding electoral integrity.
Speaking 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 detailed account of the sacrifices and behind-the-scenes experiences of reporters covering Nigeria’s elections.
He buttressed the growing importance of the press corps ahead of the 2026 electoral calendar, which includes the FCT Area Council elections and the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls. “Journalists are indispensable links between the commission’s operations and the voting public,” Amupitan said, citing their contributions during the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The INEC boss warned that misinformation, misinterpretation, and deliberate distortion could erode public confidence in the electoral process. He urged journalists to rely on official INEC platforms for verification, stressing that credibility rests on public trust rather than technology. “Our official website and digital platforms are authoritative sources. The era of relying on rumours must end,” he declared, while calling for collective efforts to combat electoral malpractice such as vote-buying and rigging.
Amupitan commended Ojumu and the press corps for documenting electoral processes, noting that responsible media coverage ensures elections are remembered for transparency and unity.
Ojumu, in his remarks, described the book as a tribute to the courage and evolution of Nigeria’s electoral press corps. He emphasised the need for journalists to adapt to technological changes, analyse real-time data, and undergo continuous training, stressing that democracy thrives when media workers are protected.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle; FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Aminu Idris; and senior INEC officials.
In recent years, misinformation has posed increasing challenges to Nigeria’s electoral environment, prompting INEC to adopt proactive measures such as real-time digital updates and closer engagement with journalists to preserve public trust.
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