Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has emphasized that the credibility of elections relies on public trust in information rather than technology alone.
He spoke on Friday in Abuja during the presentation of a new book, ” _The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,”_ authored by Mr. Segun Ojumu.
“Elections do not succeed on technology alone; they succeed when the public believes in the information they receive,” Amupitan said, warning that even robust electoral systems could be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation, or deliberate distortion of facts.
He highlighted the crucial role of journalists, describing them as the “on-ground verification” that sustains confidence in the ballot and reinforces the credibility of the electoral process.
“The credibility of our electoral process is paramount; it is the foundation upon which our democracy stands,” he added.
Addressing the more than 100 members of the INEC Press Corps, Amupitan called them “indispensable links between the commission and the voting public,” urging them to verify information directly from INEC rather than rely on rumours.
“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.
He also noted the impact of media coverage in shaping public confidence, citing the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.
He called for continued collaboration between the media and electoral authorities to combat vote-buying, rigging, and deliberate falsehoods that suppress voter turnout or incite unrest.
“The media must act against falsehoods that suppress turnout, incite violence, or undermine the integrity of our results,” he said.
Amupitan praised Ojumu’s book for documenting the sacrifices and risks journalists face while covering Nigeria’s complex elections.
He pledged that INEC would maintain openness, accountability, and technological innovation ahead of the FCT polls and the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.
Ojumu, in his remarks, said the book was inspired by over a decade of reporting on INEC and election cycles. “When you flip these pages, you are reading a history of courage,” he said, highlighting the dangers journalists face, including the ordeal of colleague Chux Ukwuatu.
He called for continuous training and mental-health support for journalists operating in high-pressure environments and urged INEC, political parties, security agencies, and media organisations to prioritise reporter safety.
“Democracy thrives only when the messenger is protected,” Ojumu said.
