Ekiti 2026: IPC trains Journalists on credible polls, police reads riot act against vote buyers

As Nigeria prepares for a new round of off-cycle governorship elections ahead of the 2027 general polls, the International Press Centre (IPC) has intensified efforts to strengthen media capacity, beginning with a high-level training for journalists in Ekiti State, while the police warned of a clampdown on vote buying and electoral offences.

Speaking at the two-day stakeholders’ dialogue in Ado-Ekiti, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the initiative is part of a broader national intervention under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II). He described the engagement as strategic, noting that it specifically targets off-cycle elections in states such as Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo, Edo, Ondo and Anambra.

Arogundade said the programme is designed to equip journalists with the skills required for accurate, balanced and ethical reporting, stressing that credible elections depend significantly on responsible media practice. 

“There is a need for all stakeholders to act in the public interest, uphold accountability, and resist misinformation and disinformation,” he said.

Highlighting the media’s role in deepening democracy, he urged journalists to prioritise issue-based reporting, voter education and inclusive participation, particularly for women, youth and vulnerable groups. He also called on authorities to guarantee journalists’ safety and access to information in line with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage.

According to him, the EU-funded initiative focuses on strengthening the media’s capacity to promote transparency through factual and fair reporting. 

“Fact-checking and inclusive reporting are critical, especially during election periods,”

 Arogundade added, expressing confidence that Ekiti could deliver credible polls despite its complex electoral history.

Media expert and Director of Journalism Clinic, Taiwo Obe, in his intervention, urged journalists across the country to embrace digital tools and artificial intelligence to remain relevant.

 “Journalists must retool and adapt to changing media consumption patterns by leveraging digital platforms and emerging technologies,” he said.

Also, Professor of Mass Communication at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Adebola Aderibigbe, stressed the need for issue-driven political coverage. 

“The election will not be defined by personalities; it should be defined by issues,” he said, cautioning against sensationalism and urging adherence to accuracy, fairness and balance.

In a parallel development, the Ekiti State Police Command reiterated its readiness to enforce electoral laws, warning that vote buying and other malpractices would not be tolerated. Police spokesperson, SP Sunday Abutu, said the command had put in place strategies to deter criminal elements and ensure a peaceful process. “We will be tough on vote buying and trading; we will deploy our forces to prevent that menace,” he stated.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, Bunmi Omosehindemi, underscored the importance of voter education and transparency, assuring that only accredited journalists would cover the election. Stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), also pledged to promote ethical journalism, curb fake news and boost voter participation nationwide.