The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have trained regional officials on electoral communication and misinformation management ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The capacity-building initiative aims to strengthen public trust and enhance voter engagement across the country.
Strengthening Electoral Communication and Public Trust
The two-day intensive programme themed Capacity Building for INEC VEP Leadership on Electoral Trust, Effective Communication, Legal Literacy and Voter Engagement ran from October 15 to 16, 2026. The training sessions took place at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Wilfred Ifogah spoke during the opening sessions at the venue. He serves as the Deputy Director of Information and Publicity for the electoral commission. Ifogah explained that the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of officials. These personnel manage how the commission shares policies, voting procedures, and essential updates with voters and stakeholders.
Ifogah stressed that staff must possess accurate details. They also need proper skills to explain voting processes clearly and promptly as the 2027 general elections approach.
Tackling Misinformation Management in Digital Spaces
The modern media environment is saturated with conflicting reports. This reality makes it vital for personnel to distinguish verified news from false narratives. Unchecked rumors can easily undermine public confidence in democratic outcomes.
Ifogah noted that the workshop equips workers with modern tools. Staff learn how to share recent improvements in voting rules and address public concerns directly. This proactive approach stops false claims from turning into major crises.
He also cautioned citizens and reporters against sharing unverified details. He specifically warned about deepfakes and AI-generated media designed to trick voters.
“Verify before you amplify,” Ifogah advised. He urged reporters to confirm facts through official commission channels before publishing stories. Furthermore, he praised the civil society groups for supporting better public messaging.
Building Bridges Through Strategic Media Relations
Lanre Arogundade also shared his perspective during the event. He is the Executive Director of the International Press Centre. Arogundade stated that public trust forms long before election day. Trust depends on the quality and accessibility of facts given to citizens.
He warned that false claims spread faster than official corrections. Therefore, teams must use active fact-checking and coordinate quick responses.
Arogundade added that the workshop creates space for deep talks. Participants discussed crisis communication, media relations, the Electoral Act, and inclusive voter engagement. He believes these talks will solve major hurdles facing the Nigerian democratic system.
Expanding the Training Across Regional Zones
Dr. Akin Akingbulu also addressed the participants in Ibadan. He serves as the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society. Akingbulu urged Voter Education and Publicity officials to focus on clarity and speed.
He noted that participants should share these lessons in their home states and local government areas. The Ibadan workshop is the first of four regional sessions. Future events will take place in Jos, Enugu, and Kano.
The European Union funds this entire democratic support initiative. The funding falls under Component 4 of the democratic governance project. The IPC and CEMESO jointly implement this media support program to boost public confidence ahead of the vote.
