By Nkechi Eze
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday turned the launch of a new book by the Chairman of its Press Corps into a powerful call to action, warning that Nigeria’s democracy faces a growing threat from rumour-driven reporting and unchecked misinformation.
Held at The Electoral Institute, Abuja, on 5th December 2025, the unveiling of The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists, authored by the Corps Chairman, Mr. Segun Ojumu became a platform for the Commission to reassert the indispensable role of journalists in protecting electoral integrity.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, told the audience that even the most advanced electoral systems can be destabilised when misinformation is allowed to dominate public discourse. “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 emphasized that the over 100 members of the INEC Press Corps serve as an essential link between the Commission and citizens nationwide, offering crucial updates on elections from Anambra to the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration. He said Mr. Ojumu’s book documents the sacrifices, risks and realities of journalists whose work underpins public confidence in Nigeria’s elections, describing the publication as “a roadmap for a more accountable electoral future.” With the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections and key governorship polls approaching, Prof. Amupitan said INEC is intensifying collaboration with media, security agencies and civil society to build voter trust. “Elections do not succeed on technology alone,” he stressed. “They succeed when the public believes the information they receive.”
In his goodwill message, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the FCT, Mallam Aminu K. Idris, said the launch could not have come at a more critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey. He congratulated the author and praised the longstanding partnership between INEC and the media, describing it as “not optional; it is essential.” He said accurate reporting, civic education and fact-checking by journalists directly influence public understanding and trust in the electoral process. He noted that the new book is “an archive of our nation’s democratic evolution” and a testament to the synergy between the Election Management Body and the Fourth Estate.
Reflecting on the evolution of Nigeria’s electoral system, Mallam Idris said the media has been central to explaining INEC’s technological reforms to the public. “When we introduced technology, it was the members of this Press Corps who broke down the technical jargon for the market woman in Gwagwalada and the civil servant in the Central Business District. You did not just report the reforms; you validated them.” He cautioned that public confidence remains fragile in an age of digital falsehoods and stressed that accredited journalists must remain steadfast in delivering timely and accurate information. Looking ahead to the FCT Area Council Elections slated for 21st February 2026, he said the media’s role is even more consequential. He noted that the election, the only local government poll conducted directly by INEC, “serves as a bellwether for the nation,” and urged the Corps to sustain rigorous, balanced and responsible reporting. “The FCT is unique in its diversity, political awareness and visibility,” he added.
Author and Press Corps Chairman, Segun Ojumu, described the book as a deeply personal work shaped by eleven years of reporting on the Commission and a decade of election coverage. He said the publication is not merely a chronicle but a tribute to the courage of journalists who often work in volatile and unpredictable environments. “When you flip these pages, you are reading a history of courage,” he said, citing the ordeal of colleague Chux Ukwuatu as one example of the dangers faced by reporters defending the public’s right to reliable information. He explained that INEC’s reforms, from digital accreditation to the IReV results portal, have transformed election reporting and now require journalists to adopt more analytical, data-driven approaches. He called for continuous training and better mental-health support for reporters who work under intense pressure. He expressed hope that the publication would inspire more journalists to document their experiences. “Democracy thrives when the messenger is protected,” he added, urging INEC, political parties, security agencies and media organisations to prioritise the safety of election journalists.
The launch was attended by senior INEC officials, family members of the author, media executives, political party representatives, civil society groups, security operatives and members of the diplomatic corps, underscoring the national relevance of the publication. The ceremony culminated in the official unveiling of the book by the INEC Chairman, joined by the author’s family and other dignitaries.
