The International Press Centre and the Centre for Media and Society are convening strategic engagements with media practitioners and electoral stakeholders to strengthen accountability and promote credible processes ahead of the Anambra State Governorship Election.
The initiatives aim to build public confidence in the electoral system, promote collaboration between journalists, electoral institutions, security agencies, and civic stakeholders.
The engagements, starting with a two-day media-stakeholder forum on October 15-16, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State, also aim to strengthen ethical and professional reporting, promote conflict-sensitive and gender-responsive coverage, and foster dialogue among key actors for transparent and peaceful elections in the state.
Day One on Wednesday, October 15, will feature interactive learning and experience-sharing sessions for journalists focused on enhancing issue-based and inclusive electoral reportage, strengthening ethical and professional standards, and embedding accountability in media narratives.
The engagements will culminate in targeted media appearances and broadcast features across major radio and television platforms in Anambra on October 17, 2025, aimed at deepening public engagement and mobilizing citizens toward peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, said the initiative aligns with IPC’s commitment to advancing the role of media as a pillar of electoral integrity and public accountability.
“The media remain central to shaping public perception and confidence in the electoral process. This forum provides an opportunity to reassert professionalism, deepen ethical engagement, and ensure that electoral reportage meaningfully supports peaceful, credible, and participatory elections in Anambra State,” Arogundade said.
Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, described the engagements as a strategic convergence of key actors to strengthen democratic processes through collaborative media action.
“What we are building is not just dialogue, but shared commitment. By bringing together journalists, electoral bodies, security agencies, and civil society, we aim to foster coherence, mutual accountability, and practical steps that enhance voter confidence and reinforce trust in the democratic process,” Akingbulu added.
Up to 45 journalists from broadcast, print, and online media will participate in the activities, focusing on coverage of the Anambra State Governorship Election scheduled for November 2025.
Participants will also conduct stakeholder analyses of voter education issues within the broader framework of the off-season election.
The Support to Media component has the overall goal of further supporting the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, with the media playing pivotal roles in engaging the electoral process through professional coverage and reportage.
The activities are jointly implemented by IPC and CEMESO, both partners within Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme.
The EU-SDGN II Programme has six interlinked components, which include support to INEC, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media, underscoring the European Union’s commitment to nurturing a pluralistic, inclusive, and participatory democracy in Nigeria.