The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, says elections succeed only when the public trusts the information they receive, not on technology alone.

He spoke on Friday in Abuja at the presentation of a book titled ‘The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,’ authored by Mr Segun Ojumu.

Amupitan warned that even strong electoral systems could be weakened by misinformation, misinterpretation, or deliberate distortion of facts.

“Elections do not succeed on technology alone; they succeed when the public believes in the information they receive,” he said.

He added that journalists provide the “on-ground verification” that sustains confidence in the ballot and reinforces the credibility of the process.

“The credibility of our electoral process is paramount; it is the foundation upon which our democracy stands,” he said.

He described the more than 100 members of the INEC Press Corps as indispensable links between the commission and the voting public.

“Your role is critical. You are frontline correspondents who ensure outcomes are transparent and verifiable.

“You are important chroniclers who validate the integrity of the process for the entire nation,” he said.

Amupitan urged journalists to abandon reliance on rumour and instead verify all information directly from the commission.

He said the commission’s website and digital channels remained the most authoritative points of contact for accurate information.

He noted the impact of media reporting, citing coverage of the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.

He called for sustained partnership to tackle vote-buying, rigging, and deliberate falsehoods that discourage voters or trigger unrest.

“The media must act against falsehoods that suppress turnout, incite violence, or undermine the integrity of our results,” he said.

He praised the author, saying the book documents the sacrifices and risks faced by journalists covering Nigeria’s complex elections.

He pledged continued openness, accountability, technological innovation, and collaboration as INEC prepares for the FCT polls and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

In his remarks, Ojumu said the book was inspired by eleven years of reporting on INEC and a decade of covering election cycles.

He said it was not merely a record of events but a tribute to journalists who work in volatile and demanding environments.

“When you flip these pages, you are reading a history of courage,” Ojumu said.

He cited the ordeal of colleague Chux Ukwuatu as one example of the dangers faced by journalists defending the public’s right to accurate information.

Ojumu said he hoped the book would inspire more press corps members to document their experiences for future generations.

He commended INEC’s technological reforms, saying digital accreditation and the IReV results portal had transformed election reporting.

He called for continuous training and mental-health support for journalists operating in high-pressure situations.

He urged INEC, political parties, security agencies, and the media to prioritise reporter safety, saying democracy thrives only “when the messenger is protected.”

Professor Attahiru Jega, former chairman of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), has advocated increase involvement of youths in politics to entrench Nigeria’s nascent democracy.

Jega said this on Thursday at a public lecture organised by Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Kashere, in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The theme of the event is: “Elections and Good Governance in Nigeria.”

He said meaningful youth involvement was crucial for strengthening and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

Jega said youth inclusion in politics would help tackle some of the challenges in governance and bring in fresh ideas towards solving the problems in governance.

He said that since the ballot remained a key route to renewing leadership in any democracy, the youths should not be indifferent about it but embrace the process to effect positive change in leadership.

“The participation amongst youths in politics is declining in spite of the improvement being recorded in the electoral process since 2011.

“Youths must ensure they participate by registering to get their permanent voter card for those who have turned 18, and then get involved going forward to voting and belonging to political parties.

“If you don’t participate, then you will allow the prevailing bad tendency to be more consolidated and deepened,” he said.

Jega said that many youths had lost faith in the electoral system because of the attitude of some politicians who do not deliver on their campaign promises.

He said that some youths had expressed frustration with governance in Nigeria, arguing that, “democracy has failed us but I tell you democracy has not failed us only the operators did.”

He said that the poor performance of some public servants resulting in bad governance and lack of trust in the electoral process amongst others had discouraged youths from participating in politics.

According to Jega, some youths are supporting military coup whenever it happens in any African country because of the failure of politicians in various capacities.

Jega called on the government and stakeholders to work more to improve electoral integrity through good governance, transparency and efficiency of the process to encourage youth involvement in politics.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umaru Pate, said the lecture was coming at a time when Nigeria continued to search for pathways to democratic renewal, institutional trust and stronger governance.

Pate said the event was part of efforts at deepening civic education, stimulating critical reflection and connecting scholarship with the lived realities of the people.

“Across Nigeria, we face a crisis of public trust, declining civic engagement, rising misinformation, and persistent governance challenges.

“Yet, we also see the resilience of citizens, the commitment of institutions, and the determined push for reforms that can strengthen our democracy.

“To shape a better future, we must continue to draw lessons, expand conversations, and inspire leaders at all levels,” he said.

Also, Dapo Olorunyomi, Publisher, PremiumTimes, said that a lot of improvement had been made by INEC since the introduction of technology in the conduct of election.

Olorunyomi urged the government and relevant agencies to continue to leverage technology to improve the system and add value to electoral process.

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja, assured the global community that Nigeria is firmly committed to advancing cross-border peace by strengthening partnerships to tackle emerging challenges.
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‎The president gave the assurance after receiving Letters of Credence from 17 Ambassadors and four High Commissioners at the Council Chamber in the State House.
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‎Tinubu urged the diplomats to engage meaningfully with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on all areas of shared interest and mutual benefits, noting that he maintains an open-door policy.
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‎”On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House, and I congratulate you on your appointments as the official representatives of your respective countries.
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‎”Nigeria values the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership across all regions of the world.
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‎”Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to expand cooperation and partnership in areas of mutual interest,” he said.
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‎Tinubu stated that the government remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, driving economic reforms and creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
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‎He said, “We, therefore, encourage deeper engagements with Nigeria in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence cooperation and cultural exchange.
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‎”The global community faces evolving challenges: security threats, climate pressures, economic instability and humanitarian issues.
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‎”Nigeria is ready to work closely with your governments to promote peace, stability and prosperity.
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‎”As you begin your duty as partners, I assure you of the fullest cooperation of the government of Nigeria.”
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‎The Ambassador of Japan, Suzuki Hideo, who spoke on behalf of other diplomats, said the presentation of Letters of Credence in Nigeria was both historic and remarkable, considering the country’s unique position in ECOWAS and Africa.
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‎”We are honoured and filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have presented our Letters of Credence today.
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‎”It is a historic moment for us all as we embark on a new chapter in deepening relations among our various countries and with Nigeria.
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‎”Mr President, I also want to express our profound admiration for your visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to economic transformation.

“Your bold reforms, being implemented to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attract investment and promote inclusiveness, are highly recognised,” he said.
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‎Hideo added that Nigeria’s contributions to economic prosperity and political stability in ECOWAS and Africa have placed the country in a good position for global recognition.
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‎The 17 ambassadors who presented their letters of credence were: Mr Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan; Brah Mahamat, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad; Rodolf Lekogo, Ambassador of the Republic of Gabon.

‎Others were ;Mehmet Poroy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye; Muhannad Alhammouri, Ambassador of the State of Palestine; Felix Costales Artioda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain; and Banbang Suharto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia.
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‎Others included: Abdoulaaye Mamadou, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; Peter Guschelbauer, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria and Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand.
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‎Also present were; Miah Kabir, High Commissioner-Designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of Sweden; Tomas Vyprachticky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; and John Ballout Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia.
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‎The president also received Letters of Credence from Mr Baba Ahmod, High Commissioner of Ghana, Mr Abheshek Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of India; Mr Michal Cygan, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland and Mr Roberto Mengoni, Ambassador of the Italian Republic.
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‎The list also had Mr Martins Podostavek, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic, Mr Gholamreza Raja, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and Mrs. Juliette Sutherland, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados.