By Karen James
The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have successfully concluded a two-day forum in Awka, Anambra State, aimed at promoting enhanced media reportage, inclusivity, and accountability ahead of the November 8, 2025, governorship election.
Held on October 15 and 16, 2025, the event was funded by the European Union under Component 4: Support to Media, designed to empower journalists and media institutions in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic processes.
In his opening address, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, underscored the media’s pivotal role in ensuring credible elections and deepening democratic accountability. He noted that the forum engaged critical stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), security agencies, and media organizations, to foster voter participation and uphold professionalism in election coverage.
“Elections are the bedrock of democracy,” Arogundade stated. “The media must not only document campaign promises but also hold political actors accountable through factual and ethical reporting.” He further called for open dialogue and capacity building to improve the quality and integrity of election reportage.
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, commended the European Union for its steadfast support toward media development and democratic strengthening in Nigeria. He acknowledged the growing challenges of misinformation, especially during off-cycle elections, stressing that “journalist safety and truth-driven reporting remain non-negotiable in the face of rising disinformation.”
Security agencies, represented by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, assured participants of strong security arrangements for the forthcoming election. Ikenga cautioned voters against bringing weapons to polling stations and urged journalists to lead public sensitization campaigns against vote buying and electoral violence.
Officials from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) reaffirmed their commitment to voter education and protection of electoral infrastructure, while emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration with the media.
Ambassador Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, advocated for the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in electoral processes. He urged political parties and security agencies to uphold electoral laws guaranteeing accessibility and participation for PWDs, encouraging the media to spotlight these issues in their coverage.
Dr. Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, hailed the workshop as one of the most impactful media capacity-building sessions in recent times. He pledged the NUJ’s continued partnership with IPC and CEMESO in advancing responsible journalism and democratic governance.
The two-day forum ended with a collective commitment from all participants to uphold media integrity, inclusivity, and professionalism — ensuring that the 2025 Anambra governorship election is transparent, peaceful, and credible.
