…describes Anambra off-cycle election as “complex and sensitive.”
AWKA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | In a strategic move to strengthen the role of the media in promoting transparency, inclusion, and accountability ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra Governorship Election, the European Union, in partnership with the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), has trained journalists across the state on enhanced reporting and election coverage ethics.
The two-day capacity-building workshop, held at BON Hotel, Awka, brought together journalists from print, broadcast, and online media platforms for intensive sessions on “Media Safety, Civic Voter Education, and Election Coverage.”
The training, organised under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) Programme, specifically under Component 4 – Support to Media, provided a platform for knowledge exchange between journalists and critical electoral stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Police, Civil Defence Corps, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Delivering his address, Dr Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), described the Anambra off-cycle election as “complex and sensitive,” citing heightened political interference, security concerns, and voter apathy as key issues requiring professional, ethical media engagement.
“This gathering represents a convergence of purpose to strengthen truth, accountability, and public trust,” Akingbulu said.
“The media’s responsibility transcends mere reportage; it is an act of safeguarding democracy itself. You, the journalists in this room, are the bridge between the process and the people. The narratives you shape will define the transparency and credibility of this election.”
He outlined four key pillars guiding responsible election coverage: combating misinformation, sustaining civic and voter education, promoting inclusion, and ensuring journalist safety.
“Misinformation travels faster than truth,” he warned. “Fact-checking is now a must-do at all times. Every newsroom must treat sensational claims with disciplined skepticism and reinforce public confidence in electoral institutions.”
Also speaking, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), urged journalists and stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness, access, and accountability in election coverage.
“This forum was designed as a stakeholder dialogue,” he explained, “because as stakeholders in the electoral process, we must all have vested interests in positive outcomes. Journalists need safe, enabling environments to work, while security agencies must guarantee their protection and access to information.”
Arogundade emphasized that the EU-SDGN II programme seeks to strengthen the media’s professionalism, deepen coverage of the electoral process, promote inclusivity, and improve awareness of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to enhance accountability.
He listed six key expected outcomes from the programme, including enhanced professionalism (especially among women journalists), stronger capacity to counter misinformation, and deeper engagement with underrepresented groups such as women, youths, and persons with disabilities.
Stakeholders who made contributions at the event include Jake Epelle, Founder/CEO of TAF Africa; DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, Police Public Relations Officer; Mr Edwin Okadigbo, Spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); Mr Edozie Ajaegbu, State Director of NOA; Prof. Angela Nwammuo of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University; and Dr. Njide Ezeonyejiaku of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
Their presentations focused on ethical journalism, safety of reporters, and promoting inclusion and civic education before, during, and after the Anambra governorship poll.
The workshop concluded with breakout sessions for print and broadcast journalists, where participants engaged in case studies and simulations aimed at strengthening their capacity for ethical, issue-focused reporting.
As the countdown to the Anambra election intensifies, facilitators urged the media to rise above political bias, embrace integrity-driven storytelling, and reinforce public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
