The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday, has said the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth, accuracy, and disciplined reporting.
He made the assertion at the launch of a new book by the Commission’s Press Corps Chairman at The Electoral Institute in Abuja.
The event marked the public presentation of The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists, authored by the Chairman of the Corps, Mr Segun Ojumu.
Beyond the ceremony, INEC turned the spotlight on the growing dangers of rumour-driven reporting and the urgent need for journalists to rely on verified sources.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, reminded the audience that even the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinterpretation or deliberate distortion.
“Democracy stands or falls on public trust,” he warned. The era of reporting based on rumour must be laid to rest. If in doubt, verify with us directly.”
He emphasised that over 100 members of the INEC Press Corps serve as a critical bridge between the Commission and the Nigerian public, shaping national understanding of electoral processes.
From the Anambra Governorship Election to the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, he said the Corps has been central to providing credible updates on voters’ registers, PVC collection, security deployments, and peace accord agreements.
Prof Amupitan commended Mr Ojumu for documenting the sacrifices, risks, and behind-the-scenes realities of election reporting, describing the new book as “a roadmap for a more accountable electoral future.”
He added that with the 2026 FCT Area Council elections and governorship polls in Ekiti and Osun approaching, INEC is deepening its collaboration with the media, security agencies and civil society to strengthen voter confidence.
“Elections do not succeed on technology alone,” he said. They succeed when the public believes the information they receive.”
In his remarks, author and Press Corps Chairman, Segun Ojumu, described the book as a personal journey inspired by eleven years of reporting on the Commission and a decade of covering election cycles. He said the work is not merely a compilation of events but a tribute to the courage of journalists who often operate in volatile terrain.
“When you flip these pages, you are reading a history of courage,” Ojumu said, citing the documented ordeal of colleague Chux Ukwuatu as one example of the high personal risks journalists face while defending the public’s right to accurate information.
He noted that the technological reforms introduced by INEC, from digital accreditation to the IReV results portal, have transformed election coverage, demanding more analytical and data-oriented journalism. He called for continuous training and mental health support for journalists who endure high-pressure reporting environments.
Mr Ojumu expressed hope that the publication would inspire more members of the press corps to tell their stories, adding that democracy can only thrive “when the messenger is protected.” He urged INEC, political parties, security agencies, and the media to prioritise the safety of election reporters.
The event brought together family members of the author, senior INEC officials, Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Media executives, political party representatives, civil society groups, Security operatives, and members of the diplomatic corps, an audience that underscored the book’s relevance to Nigeria’s broader democratic journey.