The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, on Friday warned that Nigeria’s electoral system remains susceptible to misinformation, while emphasizing the crucial role of journalists in election reporting.
Speaking at the public launch 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 underscored the increasing significance of the press corps, especially with rising political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections, including the FCT Area Council polls and the governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun.
“Journalists are indispensable links between the commission’s operations and the voting public,” he said, citing their critical role during the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Amupitan cautioned that misinformation, misinterpretation, and deliberate distortion could compromise even the most robust electoral systems. He urged reporters to use official INEC channels for verification and emphasized that public confidence, not technology, ultimately ensures electoral credibility.
“Our official website and digital platforms are authoritative sources. The era of relying on rumours must end,” he added, calling for collaboration to prevent electoral malpractice such as vote-buying and rigging.
The INEC chairman concluded by appreciating Ojumu and the press corps for documenting the electoral process, noting that elections are remembered for transparency and unity when media coverage is responsible.
Author Segun Ojumu described his work as a tribute to the courage and development of Nigeria’s electoral press corps. “This is a history of courage,” he said, stressing the importance of journalists adapting to technological advancements, analysing real-time data, and maintaining continuous training and resilience, noting that democracy flourishes when media personnel are protected.
The event was attended by key figures, including the representative 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 increasingly challenged Nigeria’s electoral landscape, prompting INEC to adopt proactive measures, including real-time digital updates and closer engagement with journalists, to maintain public trust.
