By Remi Johnson
At its Third-Quarter Consultative Meeting with Media Executives, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed for stronger collaboration with the media and political stakeholders to intensify voter education, particularly at the grassroots, to reduce the volume of invalid ballots in the upcoming Anambra election.
Acting INEC Chairman Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu made the appeal while addressing media leaders at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, stressing that invalid votes are often more prevalent among grassroots voters who may not fully understand voting procedures.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu urged political parties and candidates to complement INEC’s efforts by educating their supporters more effectively to minimize instances of spoiled ballots.
She described the media as “critical stakeholders” in the electoral process and confirmed that preparatory modalities are in place for the Anambra Governorship election.
On the question of security ahead of 8 November election in Anambra State, the acting chairman assured participants that INEC is working closely with security agencies to ensure a free, fair, peaceful, and credible poll.
Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu further revealed that just 14 out of 171 political associations that submitted application have so far met INEC’s criteria for registration.
Several officials from INEC and the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) echoed the message of readiness, affirming that sufficient electoral materials have been procured and will be distributed to all polling units across the state.
Regarding inclusion, INEC reassured that all necessary assistive devices for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will be available at polling stations.
Looking ahead to the FCT area council elections scheduled for 21 February 2026, Mrs. Agbamuche-Mbu outlined the electoral structure: elections will take place in 62 wards, 10 wards in each area councils, with AMAC (Abuja Municipal Area Council) having 12 wards due to its higher population.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya commended INEC’s sustained stakeholder engagement.
Yahya while emphasizing that the media is not just a spectator in the electoral process but a key facilitator of credible, transparent, and peaceful elections, urged INEC to invest in capacity-building programs for journalists who report on electoral matters.
“As we approach future elections, it is imperative that the collaboration between INEC and the media be deepened. We must enhance capacity building for journalists covering electoral matters, strengthen fact-checking to combat misinformation, and ensure timely access to information from INEC.
“Our duty is to ensure that citizens are well informed, that political actors are held accountable, and that the process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.” Yahya said.
Alhassan Yahya also lauded INEC’s efforts to leverage technology in promoting transparency and inclusivity in the electoral process.
During the forum, some journalists however raised concern over harassment and undue interference by security personnel, especially when they are covering elections and using cameras or phones. They urged that accredited journalists be protected during their duty.
Earlier in the day, INEC held a consultative session with civil society organizations (CSOs), reinforcing its intent to maintain broad-based stakeholder engagement for a seamless electoral process.
The forum also touched on prospective elections in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026), and called for the resumption of a nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to forestall disenfranchisement.
The meeting was attended by leading media executives, including the Director of News, FRCN , Akila Husseina, Director of News, Voice of Nigeria ,Oke Paul, and representatives of Director of News, NTA, NAWOJ Executives among others.