The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has called for stronger collaboration with the media to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system amid growing concerns about credibility.
He said rebuilding trust requires deliberate engagement and transparent communication, stressing that public perception of elections is shaped significantly by how information is reported and understood by citizens.
Acknowledging existing challenges affecting confidence levels, Amupitan noted that addressing them would demand coordinated efforts involving key stakeholders, particularly the media, which plays a central role in informing the electorate.
The INEC chairman made the appeal in Abuja while receiving members of the INEC Press Corps during a courtesy visit, where discussions focused on improving public understanding of the electoral process.
He admitted that the commission faces a “trust deficit” and emphasised the need to bridge the gap, stating:
“The media remains a vital partner in deepening democracy and ensuring that the transparency of the electoral process is effectively communicated to the public.”
Amupitan also commended journalists covering the commission, noting that professional and timely reporting helps citizens better understand the complexities of managing elections in a country with over 200 million people.
Earlier, Segun Ojumu, Chairman of the INEC Press Corps, praised the commission’s leadership style, describing election management as a demanding task requiring cooperation among stakeholders, including security agencies and civil society groups.
He assured the commission of continued support in promoting credible elections through balanced reporting, as preparations intensify for upcoming polls in Ekiti and Osun states, scheduled for June 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively.
The commission is also gearing up for the 2027 general elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls set for January 16 and governorship and state assembly elections on February 6, reiterating INEC’s commitment to credible and inclusive electoral outcomes.
