By Anietie Patrick
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Joash Amupitan, has called for stronger media collaboration to address what he describes as a growing trust deficit between the commission and the Nigerian public. Speaking during a meeting with the INEC Press Corps in Abuja, the INEC boss said public confidence remains critical as the country prepares for a new round of elections.
Professor Amupitan, who assumed office in late 2025, acknowledged widespread skepticism among voters but stressed that transparency efforts by the commission must be effectively communicated. He urged journalists to play a key role in shaping public perception, noting that credible information dissemination is essential to restoring trust in the electoral process.
In response, Chairman of the Press Corps, Segun Ojumu, commended the commission’s leadership, describing recent engagements as transparent and reassuring. He noted that Nigeria’s elections remain a complex logistical exercise, requiring the cooperation of stakeholders, including the media, to ensure successful outcomes.
The meeting comes as INEC intensifies preparations for upcoming elections under the new Electoral Act 2026. Key dates include the 2027 general elections, with presidential and National Assembly polls slated for January 16, and governorship and state assembly elections on February 6. Ahead of these, off-cycle governorship elections in Ekiti State and Osun State will serve as crucial tests of the commission’s readiness, as Professor Amupitan pledges to deliver free, fair, and inclusive polls.
