The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have restated their joint commitment to ensuring credible and transparent coverage of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election through the Anambra Election Observation Hub. The initiative aims to safeguard journalists, verify electoral information, and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
The renewed collaboration between IPC and CEMESO is informed by pre-election analysis covering June 2024 to October 2025, which identified potential threats to journalists. The data revealed that 18 journalists were detained by vigilante operatives in Nnewi during the Anambra South senatorial by-election on August 16, 2025. Other reported incidents in Nnewi South, Aguata, Ihiala, and Orumba South involved physical assaults and targeted disinformation campaigns.
Through three radio programmes and one television appearance, they urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to prioritise journalists’ safety and operational freedom.
With over 2.8 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units in 21 local government areas on November 8, 2025, both organisations have intensified advocacy for the protection of journalists covering the polls.
They noted that safeguarding the media is crucial to ensuring accurate and independent election reporting that promotes public confidence in the process. They also called on electoral stakeholders to enhance voter education and ensure that citizens understand the voting procedures before heading to the polls.
Supported by the European Union under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU–SDGN) Programme Phase II, the Election Observation Hub will promote transparency, collaboration, and accountability among key electoral actors. It will serve as a central platform for real-time information exchange among the media, civil society organisations, security agencies, and INEC.
During the observation period, the hub will coordinate press briefings, field monitoring, and live media assessments across traditional and digital channels. It will also track journalist safety incidents and conduct fact-checking to counter electoral misinformation and disinformation. Representatives from the Hub are expected to provide live analysis on radio and television to promote voter confidence and address emerging concerns.
A core component of the hub’s operations is its rapid response mechanism, which allows for swift identification and escalation of incidents such as threats to journalists, voter suppression, and fake news.
Observers deployed in all 21 local government areas will compile and transmit reports in real time to support evidence-based interventions and public communications.
Speaking on the initiative, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the 2025 election comes with both traditional and emerging digital risks. “The Anambra governorship election faces not only traditional risks but also evolving digital threats, including coordinated misinformation targeting journalists,” he said.
“Through the IPC Safety and Projection of Journalists (SPJ) and the Election Observation Hub, we are using real-time risk analytics to map threat hotspots, verify information, and protect both reporters and the integrity of the information ecosystem.”
He also shared hotline numbers; 08132776441 and 07069451562 for rapid response during the election.
Similarly, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, noted that tracking misinformation networks and amplifying verified reporting remain central to their mission. “By tracking misinformation networks and amplifying verified reporting via Halt Fake and Nigerian Democratic Report, our data-driven observation strengthens media accountability and ensures voters have access to trustworthy information in real time,” he stated.
Both organisations have also developed and released vital resource materials to support journalists during the elections. These include Broadcast Media Coverage of Elections-Related Politics in Nigeria, Guidelines on Fact-Checking Electoral Misinformation and Disinformation, the Journalists Safety & Professional Advisory, the 2025 Media Safety and Freedom Status Assessment, and Media Guidelines for Disability-Inclusive Coverage of Elections in Nigeria.
In addition, journalists were encouraged to review other critical publications such as the Nigeria Media Code of Election Coverage, the Resource Manual for Reporting Elections and Democratic Accountability, and the Reporting Electoral Campaign Finances- FOI Manual for Journalist’s. These guides are designed to promote professionalism, inclusivity, and conflict-sensitive reporting during the election period.
The Anambra Election Observation Hub is a coalition of key partners under the EU–SDGN II initiative, including Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, ElectHER, the Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and TAF Africa. Together, these organisations are working to promote credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.