As Anambra State prepares for the 2025 governorship election, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) are leading a series of strategic media engagements to foster democratic accountability, inclusive participation, and credible elections.
Themed “Enhanced Reportage, Inclusivity & Accountability of Stakeholders Towards the Anambra Governorship Election,” the activities are jointly implemented under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU–SDGN II) Programme.
The initiative aims to build public confidence in the electoral process, strengthen ethical and professional journalism, and deepen collaboration between the media, electoral bodies, security agencies, and civic groups.
The series will begin with a two-day Media–Stakeholder Forum on October 15–16, 2025, in Awka, Anambra State.
Day One will feature interactive learning sessions for journalists on issue-based and inclusive electoral reporting, professional ethics, and the role of accountability in election coverage. Discussions will also address press freedom, journalist safety, and gender balance in election reporting.
Day Two will bring together representatives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for a policy dialogue focused on promoting transparency, collaboration, and effective voter education.
The engagements will conclude with targeted media appearances across major radio and TV platforms in Anambra on October 17, 2025, to further mobilize citizens and enhance voter awareness ahead of the polls.
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, said the initiative underscores the media’s vital role in strengthening public trust in the electoral process.
“The media remain central to shaping public perception and confidence in elections,” Arogundade noted. “This forum provides an opportunity to reassert professionalism and ensure that electoral reportage supports peaceful, credible, and participatory elections.”
Also speaking, Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, described the programme as a strategic effort to align stakeholders toward a shared goal of electoral integrity.
“What we are building is not just dialogue but shared commitment,” he said. “By bringing together journalists, electoral bodies, security agencies, and civil society, we aim to foster coherence, accountability, and trust in the democratic process.”
About 45 journalists from broadcast, print, and online media will participate in the engagements ahead of the November 2025 Anambra Governorship Election.
The EU–SDGN II Programme reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through inclusive participation, institutional reforms, and professional media engagement.
