Credible elections hinge on media, INEC, informed voters, stakeholders say

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called for stronger collaboration between the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters to ensure credible elections ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that public confidence in democracy depends on the integrity of the electoral process.

The call was made on Thursday in Lagos at the fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Guild, where stakeholders also raised concerns over fake news, artificial intelligence-driven misinformation and the growing financial challenges facing the media.

The lecture, themed “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections,” was delivered by Sylvester Odion Akhaine, professor of political science from the Lagos State University, who argued that credible elections require coordinated efforts from the media, electoral umpire and the electorate.

Opening the event, Eze Anaba, NGE president, said the lecture series was instituted to honour the late journalist, statesman and former Lagos governor, Lateef Jakande, for his contributions to journalism, public service and governance.

Anaba said the choice of this year’s theme reflected the country’s preparations for another election cycle and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.

“Our country stands on the cusp of another national election, one that has been described in many ways. Some have called it a defining election that will test the resilience and future of our democracy,” he said.

According to him, the legitimacy of any democratic government depends on the credibility of the elections that produce it.

He urged the media to remain “responsible, professional, accurate and fair” in its election coverage while calling on INEC to discharge its constitutional responsibilities with transparency, competence and impartiality.

In his keynote lecture, Akhaine said Nigeria’s electoral process continues to face structural challenges rooted in state capture, weak political culture and declining public trust in democratic institutions.

He argued that credible elections extend beyond technical conduct to include respect for civil and political rights, institutional independence and voter confidence.

Reviewing Nigeria’s electoral history from the First Republic to the Fourth Republic, the political scientist said none of the country’s general elections had been entirely free of credibility concerns, citing electoral malpractice, vote-buying, intimidation and institutional weaknesses.

Akhaine said the media occupies a constitutional position as the “fourth estate” and must uphold truth and accountability despite increasing pressure from misinformation and digital manipulation.

He noted that while technological innovations have improved election management, they have also created new threats through fake news, disinformation and artificial intelligence.

“Today, the media faces new challenges occasioned by the advent of Information Communication Technology. Apart from information overload, there is the additional problem of fake news, false information and half-truths,” he said.

The professor called for greater synergy among the media, INEC and voters, urging journalists to remain committed to factual reporting, INEC to continue strengthening transparent election administration and voters to resist financial inducements.

He also reiterated support for recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, including transferring the appointment of INEC leadership from the executive to the legislature to further strengthen the commission’s independence.

The Uwais Panel report was more futuristic,” he said. “The appointive power should be removed from the executive and placed in the parliament of representatives of the people.”

Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Gbenga Omotoso, the commissioner for Information and Strategy, described Jakande as a symbol of loyalty, service and professionalism whose career demonstrated that journalists could excel in public administration.

“He has shown that journalism teaches you to do anything so long as you set your mind to it,” Omotoso said.

The commissioner identified fake news as one of the biggest threats confronting the media industry, saying the widespread use of smartphones had enabled the rapid spread of false information.

Omotoso also warned that advances in artificial intelligence could worsen the misinformation challenge if not properly managed.

He further urged media organisations to support efforts by the Federal Government to compel global technology companies to compensate news organisations for using their content.

According to him, sustainable journalism depends on stronger financial foundations, arguing that media organisations would struggle to defend democracy and electoral integrity without viable business models.

Lai Olurode, a professor of sociology and former electoral commissioner, said Nigeria must not relent in its pursuit of free, fair and credible elections, describing them as indispensable to democratic development.

“You cannot have a substitute for free and credible elections because there’s no other way of getting the temperature of a country other than through free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

Olurode acknowledged that while Nigeria had made democratic progress since 1999 through civilian rule, significant work remained to strengthen electoral credibility.

He also urged the media to avoid actions capable of fuelling instability, stressing that Nigerians had no alternative country to call their own.

Reflecting on Jakande’s legacy, Olurode described the late former governor as a lifelong public servant whose commitment to service extended well beyond elective office.