INEC Engages Journalists in Anambra to Ensure Transparent 2025 Governorship Election.

By Emmanuel Kwada

With the Anambra State governorship election set for November 8, 2025, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened a strategic forum in Awka on Tuesday, bringing together media executives, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities.

The event aimed to strengthen ties with the media, combat misinformation, and boost public trust in the electoral process.

Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, opened the forum by underscoring the media’s critical role in upholding democracy. “Your neutrality is vital. Even if only one person knows you’re being fair, keep doing what’s right,” she urged, calling for balanced and accurate reporting to support credible elections.

Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Publicity, representing INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency.

He praised journalists for their professionalism during a recent by-election and confirmed INEC’s readiness for the upcoming poll. “Non-sensitive materials are already in place, and sensitive ones will arrive soon under tight security,” Ifogah assured.

He also announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent Continuous Voter Registration will be available for collection from October 22 to 26 at ward registration centers, urging the media to spread the word.

Ifogah stressed the importance of combating fake news, encouraging journalists to verify information before publishing. “Let truth run faster than lies this election season,” he said.

He also reminded media professionals that the accreditation portal closes on October 24, with no extensions, and accredited journalists can collect their tags from the NUJ Secretariat in Awka starting November 3.

Comrade Okechukwu Onuegbu, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Anambra State, speaking on behalf of NUJ Chairman Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, commended INEC’s initiative but called for better communication channels during elections.

“Provide active phone lines or assign desk officers for journalists to verify information,” he suggested, pledging the NUJ’s support for free and fair elections.

Engr. Emeka Nnaji, INEC’s Head of ICT, highlighted the transformative impact of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

“BVAS ensures accurate voter verification, while IReV allows real-time tracking of results, reducing electoral malpractice and boosting public confidence,” he said. Nnaji acknowledged areas for improvement but emphasized the technologies’ role in tackling issues like voter impersonation and result tampering.

Bar. Olachi Chioma, Head of Legal Services, outlined the media’s responsibilities under the Electoral Act 2022, urging compliance with the 24-hour campaign blackout before election day.

“Pull all political ads 24 hours before polls open, or face penalties,” she warned. Meanwhile, Ejimofor Ejikeme, Head of Electoral Operations, demonstrated proper voting procedures, including how to fold ballots correctly.

The forum ended with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration between INEC and the media. Participants hailed the initiative as a vital step toward ensuring a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State, pledging to uphold responsible journalism as democracy’s watchdogs.