INEC chair unveils book on election reporting, warns against misinformation

Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says Nigeria’s democracy depends on accurate reporting and public trust as he unveiled a new book chronicling the work of election journalists.

The book, titled “The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,” was written by Segun Ojumu, Chairman of the INEC Press Corps. It was presented on Friday at the Electoral Institute in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Amupitan said the publication captures the sacrifices and risks taken by frontline reporters who cover the country’s elections. He praised the author for documenting realities often unseen by the public.

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He said the over one hundred journalists accredited to the press corps remain a critical link between the Commission and citizens because their work helps ensure that electoral outcomes are transparent, credible, and verifiable.

The INEC chair highlighted their role in recent exercises, including the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration.

He said the media helped disseminate key updates, from the final voters’ register to PVC collection extensions and peace accord commitments by political actors.

Amupitan warned, however, that misinformation and distortion still threaten the electoral space.

He said public trust is the bedrock of democracy, adding that journalists provide the on-ground verification that prevents manipulation and strengthens confidence in results.

He noted that Nigeria is entering a busy electoral period, including the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026 and the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun. He stressed that technology such as BVAS and IReV can only work effectively when citizens trust the information they receive.

To support accurate reporting, he urged journalists to rely on INEC’s official website and digital channels and to verify any doubtful figures or procedures with authorised officials.

Amupitan described the new book as a roadmap for a more accountable electoral future and called for stronger collaboration with the press to combat vote-buying, deliberate falsehoods, and violence-inducing narratives.

He said Nigeria’s elections must be remembered for unity, transparency, and shared purpose—not discord.

The event was attended by senior officials, including Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council; Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; Amina Idris, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner; and Ibrahim Sanni, Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute.

Ruth Tene, Assistant Editor, Agric/Solid Minerals/INEC

Ruth Tene is an award-winning journalist with over 15 years experience in developmental reporting across several newsrooms, as a reporter, editor and other managerial roles. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the University of Maiduguri among several other certifications

She has attended several trainings and certifications both locally and internationally and has been recognized for her impactful work in humanitarian reporting, receiving the Gold Award for Humanitarian Services from the Amazing Grace Foundation. She is also a recipient of the Home Alliance Fellowship, reflecting her commitment to fostering a more humane, safer and more sustainable planet.

An active member of professional journalism bodies, Ruth is affiliated with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), and the Agricultural Correspondents Association of Nigeria (ACAN), where she continues to advocate for excellence, ethical reporting, and development-focused journalism.

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