IPC Tells INEC to Earn Nigerians Trust Before 2027 Elections

(IPC Officials at Kano. Photo by VAnguard News)
The International Press Centre (IPC) has urged INEC officials to build public confidence through transparency, accurate information and clear communication ahead of the 2027 general elections.

IPC Executive Director Dr Lanre Arogundade made the call on Wednesday in Kano, at a two day training for INEC's Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) and gender officials.

Arogundade said trust must be built well before election day, and that misinformation and inaccurate statements could damage INEC's credibility.

He said every public interaction either adds to or takes away from the commission's trust.

He warned that a vague or wrong answer from an official on the Electoral Act or voting procedures could do more harm than saying nothing at all.

He urged INEC to set up fact checking units in its state offices, train staff to monitor social media, and prepare for fake content, including cloned voices and falsified result sheets created with artificial intelligence.

The Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu, told INEC to match its promises with action and be honest with the public.

Kano Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr Zango Abdu said the commission is reviewing past elections and working with the National Orientation Agency and civil society groups to educate voters.