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From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
International Press Centre (IPC), has expressed concerns over disproportionate media scrutiny between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other key actors like government institutions, political parties, candidates, and security agencies during elections.
The international agency, urged the media to do a reappraisal on whether they have done enough to hold all stakeholders accountable for their roles in the electoral process.
IPC’s Programme Manager, Stella Nwofia, in her remarks at an official presentation of report on Electoral Trust and Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing with NAWOJ/GOCOP in Abuja on Monday, claimed that other key actors have always escaped the spotlight.
“This forum reflects IPC’s concern that scrutiny is often disproportionately focused on INEC, while other key actors—government institutions, political parties, candidates, and security agencies—escape the spotlight.
“Today, we must ask ourselves: Have we done enough to hold all stakeholders accountable for their roles in the electoral process? And equally important, have we, as media and civil society organisations, upheld the same standards of transparency, responsibility, and public trust in the discharge of our duties?
“Today, we gather not only to launch a report but to reaffirm our shared commitment to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, institutions, and elections. Recent research and stakeholder engagements have consistently highlighted the pivotal role of the media in shaping public trust in democratic institutions.
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“In Nigeria, where electoral processes are often met with skepticism, the media serves as both a mirror and a mediator—reflecting public sentiment while also helping to shape it. Studies have shown that trust in electoral institutions is closely linked to the quality, consistency, and credibility of information disseminated before, during, and after elections.
“The media, therefore, must not only report events but also interrogate narratives, amplify marginalized voices, and hold all actors—political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies, and civil society—accountable.
“While Nigeria’s electoral system has seen notable advancements—including the adoption of digital tools and expanded civic education—recent elections have revealed persistent structural and perceptual challenges.
“The 2023 general elections, in particular, drew widespread scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
The report we are launching today is the product of IPC’s media-led, multi-stakeholder dialogue series held across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones between 2023 and 2025.
On the MoU, she said: “It was also an event for the signing of a Strategic MoU between IPC, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
“This partnership aims to foster an enabling environment for impactful, inclusive, and public-interest-driven election reporting.
The MoU sets performance benchmarks to enhance accountability and professional standards, particularly in the coverage of gender-related electoral issues and campaign commitments,” she said.
