INEC, Editors’ Guild Seek Stronger Media Collaboration to Boost Credibility of 2027 Elections
The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba, has called for stronger collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the media to promote credible elections and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Anaba made the call on Monday, October 5, 2026, in Abuja, while speaking at the INEC–NGE Strategic Workshop organised by the electoral commission in collaboration with the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
He described the engagement as timely, particularly as Nigeria approaches another round of elections, stressing the need to strengthen the relationship between the electoral management body and the media leadership.
According to him, elections go beyond the casting of ballots, as they are fundamentally about public trust and citizens’ confidence that their votes will count and that the electoral process will be transparent, fair and professionally managed.
The NGE President noted that the media plays a critical role in building and sustaining that confidence, with editors having significant influence over the information that reaches the public and the manner in which electoral issues are presented and interpreted.
He urged media practitioners to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness, balance and public interest in their coverage of electoral activities.
Anaba, however, stressed that the media could only effectively discharge its responsibilities when it has access to credible, timely and accessible information from INEC.
He expressed concern over the growing influence of misinformation, disinformation, manipulated content, deepfakes and partisan narratives, saying the relationship between INEC and the media must be built on openness, mutual respect and regular engagement.
The Guild President said the workshop provides an opportunity for both institutions to examine existing challenges and develop practical strategies for improving electoral communication and reporting.
He raised questions around how INEC can communicate more effectively with citizens, how journalists can improve the accuracy of electoral reporting and how stakeholders can confront disinformation without undermining legitimate criticism.
He also emphasised the need to harness the reach and influence of the media to strengthen citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Anaba maintained that credible elections remain a shared responsibility involving INEC, political parties, candidates, the media and the electorate.
He said the credibility of the media is equally an important component of the credibility of the electoral process, urging participants at the workshop to engage in frank and constructive discussions.
The NGE President reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to working with INEC and other stakeholders towards elections that Nigerians can trust and a media that citizens can rely on for credible and responsible information.
He expressed confidence that the discussions from the workshop would serve as the foundation for a stronger, more structured and continuous partnership between INEC and the Nigerian media.
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