The European Union (EU) has stepped up efforts to curb election misinformation and strengthen credible reporting ahead of the June 2026 Ekiti State governorship election by fostering closer collaboration between journalists and Nigeria’s electoral body.
The initiative, facilitated through the EU Support to Democratic Governance Programme (EU-SDGN), brought together media professionals and election officials in Ado-Ekiti to deepen cooperation aimed at promoting transparency, accurate information, and public trust in the electoral process.
The engagement themed “Journalists–Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue: Charting a Way Forward,” underscored the critical role of the media as the fourth estate in shaping public understanding, promoting accountability, and encouraging informed participation in elections, while also confronting the growing threats posed by misinformation and disinformation.
Stakeholders described the forthcoming Ekiti election as an important test of institutional preparedness and voter confidence, stressing the need for timely, accurate and accessible election information as well as a coordinated and evidence-based approach to election reporting.
Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Akin Akinbolu, whose organisation forms part of the EU-SDGN cohort, said the initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among key actors in the electoral process.
He said, “the initiative is designed to deepen collaboration between critical actors in the electoral process.”
Akinbolu added that credible elections depend on verified information and sustained engagement between journalists and official sources.
“Credible elections depend on verified information and sustained engagement between the media and official sources,” noting that the effort would extend beyond the current engagement as preparations continue towards the 2027 general elections.
Also speaking, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Victoria Eta-Messi, said the commission had begun preparations to ensure a smooth electoral process in Ekiti State.
She said the preparations include improved logistics, early deployment of election materials and expanded voter education across multiple communication platforms.
Eta-Messi stressed that collaboration with the media remained vital to ensuring that citizens receive accurate and reliable election information.
“Preparations are underway to ensure a smooth process, including improved logistics, early deployment of materials, and expanded voter education across multiple platforms.”
Participants at the dialogue also agreed on several practical steps to improve election communication and reduce the spread of false information.
These include the establishment of fact-checking desks in newsrooms, expanded civic education initiatives, and the adoption of inclusive communication strategies that cater to persons with disabilities.
There were also commitments to improve access to election-related information in order to reduce ambiguity and curb the spread of misinformation.
Follow-up engagements are expected to sustain the collaboration, strengthen accountability, and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process while positioning the media as a key partner in safeguarding electoral credibility.
