Abuja: The International Press Centre (IPC) has urged the media to serve as both the mirror and mediator reflecting public sentiment in a shared commitment to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. Mrs. Stella Nwofia, Programme Manager at IPC, emphasized this point during her remarks at the presentation of the Report on Electoral Trust and the signing of a Strategic MoU with NAWOJ/GOCOP, held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organized by the IPC under the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) Component 4: Support to Media. Nwofia highlighted that recent research and stakeholder engagements have consistently underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public trust in democratic institutions in Nigeria, where electoral processes are often met with scepticism.
Nwofia stated, “The media must not only report events but also interrogate narratives, amplify marginalised voices, and hold all actors-political parties, security agencies, electoral bodies, and civil society-accountable.” She emphasized that the gathering was not only to inaugurate a report but also to reaffirm a shared commitment to rebuilding trust in Nigeria’s electoral process, institutions, and elections.
She pointed out that studies have shown trust in electoral institutions is closely linked to the quality, consistency, and credibility of information disseminated before, during, and after elections. Despite notable advancements in Nigeria’s electoral system, such as adopting digital tools and expanding civic education, recent elections have revealed persistent structural and perceptual challenges. The 2023 general elections, in particular, drew widespread scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
Nwofia explained that the report inaugurated was a product of IPC’s media-led, multi-stakeholder dialogue series held across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones between 2023 and 2025. Convened under Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN II) project, these dialogues provided a platform for diverse voices to engage, deliberate, and co-create strategies for restoring public confidence in democratic systems.
Quoting Stephen Covey, she remarked, “Trust is the glue of life; the most essential ingredient in effective communication; the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” She reiterated IPC’s concern that scrutiny is often disproportionately focused on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while other key actors like government institutions, political parties, candidates, and security agencies escape the spotlight.
Nwofia posed critical questions about accountability, asking whether enough has been done to hold all stakeholders accountable for their roles in the electoral process and whether media and civil society organizations have upheld the same standards of transparency, responsibility, and public trust in the discharge of their duties.
She further elaborated on the MoU between IPC, NAWOJ, and GOCOP, describing it as a partnership aimed at fostering an enabling environment for impactful, inclusive, and public-interest-driven election reporting. The MoU establishes performance benchmarks to enhance accountability and professional standards, particularly in covering gender-related electoral issues and campaign commitments.
“Let us use this moment not only to reflect but to recommit to a media landscape that informs, empowers, and uplifts democratic values,” Nwofia stressed.