NUJ, NAN Seek Stronger INEC Partnership Ahead Of 2027 Polls
By AMANDA EZE
Media Seeks Deeper Electoral Collaboration
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have called for stronger collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was made during the 2026 Democracy Roundtable in Abuja. The event, organised by the NUJ, NAN Chapel, focused on the theme, “Making Nigerians’ Votes Count in 2027: The Role of INEC.”
Participants said closer cooperation between the electoral commission and the media would improve voter education, strengthen election monitoring and reduce the spread of misinformation before, during and after the polls.
NAN Reaffirms Support for Credible Elections
Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali, represented by the Editor-in-Chief, Mufutau Ojo, described the roundtable as timely as preparations gather momentum for the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
He reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote credible elections and democratic governance. He said all stakeholders must work together to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Ali also appreciated INEC for participating in the engagement and urged participants to ensure that the discussions produce practical outcomes.
NUJ Calls for Transparency and Voter Education
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike, said credible elections require the active participation of all stakeholders, not just INEC.
She urged the electoral commission to sustain transparent communication, publish election information promptly and provide clear electoral timelines. She also called for expanded voter education campaigns targeting young people, rural communities and persons with disabilities.
Ike advocated greater transparency in the testing of election technologies, including electronic result transmission systems, and urged INEC to strengthen its complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Journalists Urged to Uphold Professional Standards
The NUJ chairman called on journalists to verify information before publication and avoid spreading misinformation during the election period.
She encouraged media organisations to simplify electoral information and translate key messages into indigenous languages to improve public understanding.
Ike also disclosed that the NUJ FCT Council plans to establish an Election Situation Room during the 2027 polls to monitor developments, verify reports and support journalists covering the elections.
Shared Responsibility for Electoral Integrity
Earlier, Chairman of the NAN Chapel of the NUJ, Collins Yakubu-Hammer, said INEC must continue to conduct free, fair and transparent elections while maintaining an accurate voter register and deploying technology effectively.
He added that political parties should embrace issue-based campaigns, security agencies must guarantee peaceful elections, and citizens should reject vote-buying and electoral violence.
The speakers agreed that stronger cooperation among INEC, the media and other democratic institutions would help build public confidence and ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the genuine will of Nigerians.
