INEC Seeks Media Partnership to Rebuild Public Trust Ahead of 2027 Polls

INEC Seeks Media Partnership to Rebuild Public Trust Ahead of 2027 Polls

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has acknowledged a growing lack of public confidence in the electoral body, urging the media to support efforts to rebuild trust ahead of upcoming elections.

Amupitan made the call on Wednesday in Abuja while receiving members of the INEC Press Corps during a courtesy visit; the first formal engagement with the group since he assumed office in late 2025.

The INEC boss said the commission is aware of the skepticism among Nigerians and stressed the need for stronger collaboration with journalists to better communicate its processes and reforms.

“We are not unaware of the trust deficit between the commission and the electorate. That is why we need the media as partners to help reshape the narrative and ensure Nigerians understand the transparency of our processes,” he said.

He added that the media plays a critical role in shaping public perception and called for accurate and balanced reporting, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.

Amupitan also commended members of the press corps for their continued coverage of electoral activities and encouraged them to remain professional.

Earlier, Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, said journalists covering the commission are committed to promoting transparency in the electoral process.

“Nigerian elections are a huge logistical challenge, and it requires the collaboration of all stakeholders, including the media, to ensure success,” Ojumu said.

Ojumu, who led the delegation alongside Assistant Secretary, John Onah and Welfare Director, Chux Ukwuatu, also praised the INEC chairman’s approach to leadership.

“We have observed the transparent manner in which the chairman has managed the commission since assuming office,” he added.

The meeting comes as INEC intensifies preparations for a series of key elections under the revised electoral timetable following the Electoral Act 2026.

The commission has fixed January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections, while governorship and state assembly polls are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Before the general elections, INEC will conduct off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State on June 20, 2026, and Osun State on August 8, 2026.

These elections are expected to serve as early tests of the commission’s readiness.

Amupitan, who succeeded Mahmood Yakubu, has pledged that the commission will deliver “free, fair and inclusive” elections as Nigeria approaches another critical electoral season.