The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) have called for a stronger partnership between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the media ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the 2026 Democracy Roundtable themed “Making Nigerians’ Votes Count in 2027: The Role of INEC,” organised by the NUJ, NAN Chapel, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Leaders of both NAN and NUJ said the media remain critical partners in voter education, election monitoring and combating misinformation, stressing the imperative for the working relationship with the electoral umpire for effective, timely and accurate information management.

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali, represented by the Editor-in-Chief, Mufutua Ojo, described the roundtable as timely given the preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Mr Ali reaffirmed NAN’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote democratic governance and electoral credibility, describing all stakeholders as partners in national development.

“I congratulate you on this very auspicious occasion. This roundtable on democracy is very timely, especially in view of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election and ahead of the 2027 general elections coming up in about a six-month period.

“I pledged that the management and staff will continue to support activities for seamless elections and strengthening our democracy,” he said.

The NAN boss also expressed appreciation to INEC for honouring the invitation to the roundtable.

Mr Ali described the event as a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to credible elections.

He encouraged participants to make the discussions productive in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

The Chairman, NUJ, FCT Council, Grace Ike, said the media and other democratic institutions occupy a central place in sustaining a healthy democracy.

She said that while INEC has the constitutional responsibility of conducting credible elections, the task of ensuring electoral integrity rests on stakeholders.

“The credibility of elections is not the responsibility of INEC alone. The media, civil society groups, security agencies and the electorate must all play roles to ensure that every citizen’s vote counts,” she stated.

Ms Ike recalled interactions she had with some young Nigerians after the last general elections, noting that many of them had lost confidence in the electoral process because they believed their votes would not count.

She, however, expressed optimism that ongoing voter education initiatives by INEC, the media and civil society organisations were gradually restoring public confidence ahead of the 2027 polls.

She outlined the expectations of the NUJ, FCT Council from INEC on transparent electoral processes, timely publication of information, clear electoral timelines and effective communication of regulations affecting voters and election stakeholders.

She also advocated robust voter education campaigns targeting young people, rural communities and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation in the electoral process.

According to her, INEC should provide full disclosure on the testing of election technologies, including result transmission systems, and establish accessible complaints and dispute resolution mechanisms to strengthen public trust.

Ms Ike also urged media practitioners to uphold professionalism by verifying information before publication, avoiding the spread of rumours, providing context in election reporting and holding institutions accountable through ethical journalism.

She also encouraged journalists to simplify technical electoral information and translate it into indigenous languages to improve public understanding, particularly at the grassroots level.

The NUJ FCT chairman announced plans to establish a dedicated Election Situation Room during the 2027 general elections to monitor developments, verify reports, support field reporters and coordinate rapid responses to threats against voters and journalists.

She appealed to INEC to support the initiative by providing timely official information, appointing liaison officers for rapid verification, involving the NUJ in testing result transmission procedures and collaborating on voter education programmes.

“I believe such collaboration will strengthen public trust and improve our collective ability to protect the integrity of our votes,” she said.

Ms Ike also called on stakeholders to ensure the safety of journalists covering elections, respect media independence and reject intimidation, misinformation and violence capable of undermining the electoral process.

She urged eligible voters to register early, participate actively in elections and remain at polling units after casting their ballots in accordance with electoral guidelines.

“Your vote is your voice. This time round, your vote will count and must count,” she said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NAN Chapel of the NUJ, Collins Yakubu-Hammer, said credible elections remained the foundation of democracy and stressed that INEC must continue to conduct free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections.

Mr Yakubu-Hammer said the commission should maintain an accurate voter register; ensure timely distribution of election materials; adequately train electoral officials; and effectively deploy technology to improve transparency, while remaining impartial in enforcing electoral laws.

He added that political parties must embrace issue-based campaigns, security agencies must guarantee a peaceful voting environment and citizens must reject vote-buying and electoral violence.

“If INEC, political stakeholders and Nigerians play their parts with integrity and commitment, the 2027 elections can strengthen public trust in our democracy and truly reflect the will of the people,” he said.

(NAN)