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IPC Holds Fifth Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Yola, Adamawa State

Press Release   IPC Holds Fifth Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue in Yola, Adamawa State For Immediate Release Lagos, Nigeria – November 26, 2024. The International Press Centre (IPC) is set to host the fifth edition of its Election Multi-Stakeholders’ Dialogue series in Yola, Adamawa State. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the event will bring together up to 70 electoral stakeholders to discuss the critical theme: “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions, and Elections.” In line with previous editions in Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna and Calabar, this media and civil society-driven forum aims to address and harvest opinions on how to mitigate the negative perceptions surrounding elections in Nigeria. The forum will explore the root causes of mistrust and emphasise the need for inclusive reforms. Key Outcomes and Focus Areas: The dialogue will focus on gathering submissions and recommendations from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the media, civil society organizations (CSOs), law enforcement agencies, Inter Party Advisory Council, Labour unions, youths, women, and citizens who would be required to make special interventions. The goal is to promote effective collaboration and role-sharing in deepening the process for credible elections. These discussions will inform the development of mechanisms for regular consultations, feedback, and policy adjustments, ensuring that trust-building efforts remain sustained and responsive to emerging challenges. Special Session: The dialogue will feature a lead paper on “Citizens & Elections in Nigeria: The Place of Trust and Responsibilities of Key Electoral Stakeholders,” to be presented by Prof. Annah Malgwi from Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola. The presentation will be followed by key interventions from electoral experts and other prominent stakeholders under the moderation of Dr. Mary Paninga, Deputy Coordinator of the Women Political Empowerment Project in Yola. IPC Executive Director’s Statement: Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the IPC, emphasised the importance of the feedback collected during the “Rebuilding Trust” series, noting that it offers a valuable opportunity to uncover new challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process. He said: “This feedback not only provides a platform for open dialogue but also serves as a catalyst for reforms, accountability, and strengthening democratic institutions. By continuously engaging with the media, CSOs, and other stakeholders, we can help build public confidence in the election system and contribute to a more transparent, inclusive, and trustworthy democracy in Nigeria.” The dialogue series is supported by the European Union under Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project of which the International Press Centre is the lead partner. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org   

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EU Supported Workshop Enhances Media Understanding of INEC’s Role Amid Electoral Challenges

Implementing partners of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGN II) Project, the International Press Centre (IPC), the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), and DAI, organized a two-day interactive workshop titled Contextualizing INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News and Disinformation. The event, held on October 25th and 26th, 2024, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos, was conducted in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The workshop aimed to engage radio and television anchors who oversee current affairs and political programs in leading media organizations across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The primary focus was on the key challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system, the conduct of elections, and the responsibilities of INEC. Additionally, the session provided a platform to highlight INEC’s achievements, address ongoing challenges, and discuss future strategies in the context of media influence and disinformation. A total of 78 participants attended the workshop, including 50 anchors from various media outlets, the Honorable Chairman of INEC, six National Commissioners, members of INEC’s Technical Team, key Directors, and other essential staff. The training, which aimed to enhance media understanding of electoral processes, was funded by the European Union. The workshop fostered productive discussions on the role of media in ensuring the integrity of electoral processes and the importance of accurate reporting in mitigating the spread of fake news and disinformation.

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EDO DECIDES: IPC TASKS JOURNALISTS, SECURITY OPERATIVES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON SAFETY

Press Release EDO DECIDES: IPC TASKS JOURNALISTS, SECURITY OPERATIVES AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS ON SAFETY For immediate release, September 19, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos- Nigeria has enjoined journalists and other media professionals that would be on electoral duty in Edo State on Saturday, 21st September 2024 to pay deserved attention to their safety. IPC also urged security operatives and other stakeholders that would be involved in the Edo State Governorship election to help ensure the safety of journalists. IPC’s Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the call was necessary because of the consistent trend of journalists being victims of attacks during election period and the conflicts and tension by political actors and other players in the electoral process in the state.  “It is very important for journalists covering the Edo State election to be safety conscious in the discharge of their duties, and to avoid situations that will put them in danger.  Journalists are expected to take into consideration some safety measures while on the field he said, adding that they should internalize the following tips: •  Be non-partisan •   Don’t walk or move alone •   Be INEC accredited and have your organizational identity card • Be brave and smart…i.e. cover violent situations from a reasonable distance •   Handle classified information appropriately He also admonished other stakeholders, especially the security agencies to undertake their tasks in a very professional manner. He urged The Inspector General of Police to advice officers and men on the field, to protect accredited journalists, because the media is a critical part of the electoral process and journalists should be accorded due rights and privileges to enable them carry out their social obligations as partners in enshrining the credibility of the electoral process. “Other stakeholders, including elections observers should also proactively provide journalists covering the elections with information to ensure that all work together for the success of the elections”, Mr. Arogundade added. As part of initiatives to keep tab on the safety of journalists, IPC said that there are safety alert officers who journalists under threat/attack can report to via calls or messages. The concerned officers: Melody Akinjiyan (Press Freedom Officer, IPC) – 08132776441 Olutoyin Ayoade (Communication Officer, IPC) – 08114503887 Mr. Arogundade also enjoined journalists to report any threats to the Edo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. SGD: Melody Akinjiyan Press Freedom Officer, IPC melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org

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IPC and CEMESO Host Two-Day Annual Stakeholders Meeting and Roundtable on Scorecard & Electoral Process Coverage

Press Release IPC and CEMESO Host Two-Day Annual Stakeholders Meeting and Roundtable on Scorecard & Electoral Process Coverage For immediate release Lagos, Nigeria – July 6, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), both implementing partners of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGNII) project within Component 4: Support to Media are set to hold two virtual events. The first is a Roundtable on Issues, Trends and Challenges in Coverage of The Electoral Process while the second is an Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting to review the Media’s Performance Scorecard. The initiatives seek to enhance democracy in Nigeria by harnessing the media encompassing broadcast, print, and online platforms—to actively engage with and provide professional coverage of the electoral process. Scheduled to convene virtually on July 8 and 9, the inaugural meeting aims to tackle challenges related to misinformation and disinformation, examining the media’s role in upholding information integrity during the 2023 electoral processes and its impact on promoting voter education. The outcome of the deliberations will inform the development of novel insights aimed at fostering enhanced strategic collaborations and achieving more impactful outcomes leading up to the 2027 elections. The second meeting will evaluate the Media’s Performance Scorecard in the elections and processes, assessing the effectiveness of media interventions in achieving their intended objectives.  Key stakeholders, encompassing media professionals from print, broadcast, and online platforms, as well as prominent figures in the media industry, will participate. This meeting aims to foster dialogue, exchange experiences, and share success stories to further enhance media conduct at elections. The sessions will focus on key topics, including measures to elevate the professionalism of media professionals, strategies to combat electoral misinformation and disinformation, enriching the coverage of the electoral process, improving the dissemination of civic and voter education, fostering media awareness, utilising the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to bolster accountability, strengthening the capabilities of broadcasting regulatory entities, and encouraging media involvement in advocating for the representation of women, youths, and marginalised groups in the political sphere. In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC said: “The initiatives provide a platform for diverse stakeholders including journalists, election officials, and civil society representatives to collaboratively address emerging issues such as misinformation, voter suppression, and evolving electoral laws which in turn foster greater understanding and promote best practices” Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of CEMESO, said: “Both organisations are consistently exploring strategies that enhance transparency and accountability in media practices at elections”. “By evaluating critical metrics such as accuracy, fairness, and responsiveness to public concerns, stakeholders can gauge the media’s effectiveness in serving the public’s interest.” He added. These initiatives are supported by the European Union, highlighting its commitment to promoting democratic values and media integrity in Nigeria. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer Component 4 (Support to Media) EUSDGN II Project tayoade@ipcng.org

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IPC Hosts Media Dialogue & Stakeholders’ Interface on Credible Edo Governorship Election

IPC Hosts Media Dialogue & Stakeholders’ Interface on Credible Edo Governorship Election For immediate releaseLagos, Nigeria – July 3, 2024 The International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos, Nigeria, is convening a Media Dialogue and Stakeholders’ Interface to address mechanisms for guaranteeing credible conduct of Edo State Governorship Election in September this year. The dialogue and interface are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that the media is Fair, Accurate, Ethical, and Inclusive in its coverage of elections while other stakeholders also perform their role creditably. This initiative, slated for July 4 and 5, 2024, in Benin, Edo State, aligns with the goal of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSDGNII) project funded by the European Union. The principal aim is to ensure that all relevant stakeholders fulfill their responsibilities diligently, so that the Edo governorship election can be devoid of violence, disinformation and misinformation with the people being able to freely make informed choices. The first day’s sessions will, among others, focus on identifying priority issues for Edo citizens in the elections, early warning indicators of possible violence, key points for civic/voter education and how the media can report fairly, inclusively and accurately. The discussions will also be framed within the EUOM recommendations aimed at enhancing media performance during elections, guaranteeing the integrity of information, and aligning with regulatory frameworks such as the Electoral Act, Nigeria Broadcasting Code, and Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. On the second day, meetings will be held with key institutional stakeholders including the INEC Resident Commissioner for Edo State, the Edo State Police Command, the Civil Defence Corps, etc. The meetings will emphasise shared responsibilities and the cultivation of cooperative partnerships to protect journalists, promote peaceful elections, and enhance public understanding of voting and counting procedures. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, in a statement said: “We expect that this intervention will promote meaningful dialogues and strengthen commitment towards hitch-free Edo Governorship election. The event is expected to attract about 50 stakeholders among who shall be male and female political reporters and other journalists from the Print, Broadcast and Online media who will be on duty during the governorship election. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin AyoadeCommunications OfficerComponent 4 (Support to Media)EUSDGN II Projecttayoade@ipcng.org

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IPC, CEMESO Host Experts Forum and Dialogue on Building Electoral Trust and Addressing Contemporary Issues in Nigeria’s Electoral Process

Press Release For immediate release Lagos, Nigeria – June 24, 2024  The International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), will this week host concurrent events aimed at critically examining contemporary challenges in the electoral processes and enhancing trust in elections within the context of consolidating Nigeria’s democray. Scheduled to take place between June 25th and 27th in Calabar and Abuja respectively, the two events are integral parts of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance (EUSDGNII) project, which the two civil society organisations are implementing. The main goal of the engagement with key stakeholders is to engender in-depth discussions to reinforce commitments and develop strategies that promote collaboration among multiple stakeholders for the purpose of improving on the electoral processes. IPC’s initiative, the “Multistakeholder Dialogue on Rebuilding Trust in Electoral Processes, Institutions, and Elections,” taking place in Calabar, Cross River State on Tuesday June 25 will be the fourth in the series coming after previous editions in Abuja (for the North Central), Lagos (for the South west), and Kaduna (for the North west). The forum is meant to generate commitment from electoral stakeholders to play the desired role in enhancing confidence in electoral institutions, electoral processes and the election management body ahead of the 2027 elections. To this end, Prof. Takim Ojua Asu of the University of Calabar, will deliver a keynote address on “The Role of Critical Stakeholders in Rebuilding Trust in Electoral Institutions and Processes in Nigeria” at the event to be chaired by Dr. Itam Abang, a former female member of the Cross River House of Assembly. The discussants shall include Prof. Bolade Eyinla, Chief Technical Adviser to the INEC Chairman, the state leaderships of IPAC, NLC, TUC, NBA, etc.; the representatives of the State Commissioner of Police, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and EUSDGNII partners, Media personnel, Women, Youths, and Community Leaders. CEMESO’s two-day event in Abuja on June 26 and 27 will focus on “Dealing with Contemporary Salient Issues in the Electoral Process” with the aim of delving into contentious issues arising from the recent elections and enumerating the tactics and strategies of addressing them. In this regard, the event will feature expert presentation by Professor Samuel G. Egwu on contemporary electoral issues while Mr. Nicholas Bise Dazang shall moderate the sessions to ensure productive interaction. The forum will have in attendance about 40 journalists from various broadcast media outlets and representatives from the inclusion community who shall explore strategies for enhancing civic and voter education through responsible media coverage. In a statement, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC said: “The thrust of our message is that all the key stakeholders in the electoral processes and elections must take their roles seriously, openly commit to improving on the performance of the roles and be ready to be held accountable for the commitments by the media in particular and the civil society in general”. “We are emphasising trust because without it there cannot be mass and informed participation, which in turn would serve as catalysts of credible and acceptable elections”, he added. Dr. Akin Akingbulu, the Executive Director of CEMESO also said: “Without meticulously identifying and examining the salient issues in the electoral processes particularly in the aftermath of the last general elections, it might be difficult to decide on the best approaches for tackling the contentious ones, so we consider the planned engagement as an important step towards developing appropriate civic and voter education messages to improve future elections”. The endeavours by IPC and CEMESO as supported by the European Union, underscore a collective commitment to advancing democratic governance and fostering transparent electoral practices in Nigeria. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer Component 4 (Support to Media) EUSDGN II Project tayoade@ipcng.org

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Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process: IPC Hosts Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue

PRESS RELEASE   Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Process: IPC Hosts Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lagos, Nigeria – March 22, 2024. The International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos, Nigeria, lead implementing partner of Component 4 (Support to Media) under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, announces its upcoming major forum. Scheduled for Monday, March 25, 2024, this event will convene about 100 electoral stakeholders to address the critical theme of “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes, Institutions and Elections.” Following the success of the inaugural session held in Abuja, this subsequent edition of the media and civil society-driven forum aims to further stimulate meaningful discussions on how to reinforce commitments and approaches to multi-stakeholder collaboration for enhancing confidence in electoral processes. The initiative is also being embarked upon ahead of the off-cycle governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States later this year and preparatory activities towards the 2027 general elections. The forum seeks to gather submissions and recommendations on how diverse stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Law Enforcement Agencies, Political Party Leaders, Youth, Women, and the Public, can effectively fulfill their roles and collaborate to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. Prof. Isaac Albert of the University of Ibadan will present the lead paper at the event, which will be chaired by Prof. Okey Ibeanu, a former INEC National Commissioner. The event will receive special remarks from the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and EU Ambassador Samuela Isopi, among others. The event shall also be moderated by renowned broadcaster, Mr. Ambrose Somide of Raypower FM. Mr. Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of IPC, in a statement emphasised the importance of transparent elections in bolstering citizens’ trust in the electoral system, particularly in developing democracies like Nigeria. He highlighted the correlation between encountering obstacles during elections and reduced confidence in elected officials, often leading to participation in activities opposing the ruling regime. In anticipation of the forthcoming collaboration with key election stakeholders, especially the media, Mr. Arogundade reiterated the commitment to engaging in proposals and contributions aimed at enhancing public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system. This collaboration seeks to foster constructive discussions, address challenges, and work towards improving the overall integrity and transparency of elections in Nigeria. Participation in the dialogue is also expected from various sectors, including the leadership of INEC, Political Parties represented by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), key institutions such as the National Orientation Agency and Security Agencies, as well as representatives from traditional and religious bodies, CSOs, the European Union (EU) Delegation, EUSDGN Partners, Labour Unions, and Community Leaders. This initiative is supported by the European Union. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Olutoyin Ayoade Communications Officer, IPC tayoade@ipcng.org    About IPC: The International Press Centre (IPC) is a non-governmental organization committed to promoting media freedom, democracy, and transparency in Nigeria. About EUSDGN II: The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project aims to strengthen democratic governance, accountability, and electoral processes in Nigeria through various interventions and partnerships.

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Overview of IPC’s 2023 Activities

Project Title: European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project. In 2022, the International Press Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, launched a project funded by the European Union to enhance media involvement in promoting democratic governance through fair, accurate, ethical, and inclusive coverage of electoral processes in Nigeria. The project aims to support democracy by engaging the media in professional reporting on electoral procedures across various platforms. The activities implemented under the EUSDGN II project are as follows: In preparation for the February 2023 general elections, IPC conducted a one-day virtual workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of 40 bloggers and online journalists from the southern region on conflict-sensitive reporting. This workshop took place on January 12, 2023. Furthermore, an additional 40 bloggers from the northern region were also trained, resulting in a total of 80 participants being equipped before the 2023 general elections. The primary objective of the virtual workshop was to address the dissemination of hate speech and counteract the negative impacts of unethical and insensitive reporting during the 2023 Nigeria electoral processes. The focus was on empowering media professionals with ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting skills to foster responsible journalism. Among the attendees were online journalists and bloggers, including members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), actively engaged in online coverage of the 2023 elections. IPC and YIAGA Africa, under the EU-funded EUSDGN II project, organized a forum to address INEC’s readiness for the 2023 elections. Stakeholders discussed election themes like security, inclusivity, and media responsibilities to enhance public trust and credibility. Key attendees included media and CSO representatives, with a focus on proactive measures to ensure successful elections. During the roundtable discussions, stakeholders delivered presentations on various election-related themes, including election security, citizen engagement, inclusivity, media responsibilities, and insights from INEC representatives. The forum concluded with a collective acknowledgment of crucial areas that could impact the elections’ credibility, prompting commitments from INEC and other stakeholders to address these concerns proactively before the presidential and gubernatorial elections. IPC conducted two roundtable sessions in Abuja and Port-Harcourt with media stakeholders to review the media monitoring report on the 2023 electoral process. Discussions focused on coverage trends of the election by newspapers and INEC platforms, addressing professionalism and improving media coverage. The initiative, spanning eighteen months, also analyzed IPC’s media coverage of the electoral and democratic processes. After the activities, the goals achieved were: The roundtable discussion focused on various topics related to enhancing democratic governance by promoting transparency, accountability, and participatory decision-making to bolster comprehensive government practices. During the session, in alignment with IPC’s mission to reinforce the media’s role in democratic governance, IPC presented an analysis of the campaign promises made by the winner of the 2023 presidential elections. The comprehensive documentation of the presidential campaign commitments, which emphasized development across multiple sectors, provided both the media and citizens with an opportunity to assess political agendas and educate the public on the significance of upholding accountability in democratic governance. Furthermore, the roundtable facilitated a detailed conversation on fostering democratic accountability by aligning with citizen expectations and enhancing the media’s role as the fourth estate of the realm. IPC meticulously recorded and presented thirty (30) pivotal campaign pledges made by President Bola Tinubu, independently monitored by IPC’s media monitoring unit between October 2022 and February 2023. This effort was part of IPC’s involvement in the 2023 electoral processes, including tracking and analyzing media coverage trends across various platforms such as print and online media outlets. Moreover, the media roundtable acknowledged IPC’s significant achievement in developing the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage for IOS and the Media Election App. These resources provide essential guidelines for election stakeholders, creating an environment conducive to enabling the media to fulfill its professional duties effectively during electoral procedures. The development of the IOS/Web App aimed to facilitate easy access for journalists, media professionals, researchers, and academia to download the guidelines for enhanced accessibility and application. The purpose of this event was to conduct a thorough analysis of the intricate relationships between the public, the media, and the electoral procedures. The primary objective was to formulate a comprehensive agenda that emphasizes enhancing the media’s and citizens’ roles in fostering a credible electoral system. The workshop aimed to instil essential media professionalism and inclusivity in the coverage and reporting of the ongoing electoral process in the state. This initiative is intended to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in facilitating transparent, peaceful, and legitimate gubernatorial elections in Kogi in November. Furthermore, the workshop fostered collaborative brainstorming sessions and idea exchanges among media stakeholders to explore effective strategies to uphold the media’s crucial role in promoting electoral processes and democratic principles universally recognized. Moreover, the workshop delved into an in-depth analysis of these roles and deliberated on ways to address the obstacles that often hinder their effective execution. Lastly, participants were introduced to the IPC’s Media and Elections app, an innovative tool designed to enhance access to valuable resources for election reporting. Project Title: IVERIFY Project The primary goal of the iVerify project, facilitated by the International Press Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the government of Spain, is to enhance efforts in combating the concerning issue of information disorder. This includes tackling the surge of disinformation, misinformation, malinformation, and hate speech, particularly during electoral and democratic proceedings. Activities IPC organized fact-checking workshops for 80 journalists from various media outlets in the three states ahead of the November 11, 2023, off-cycle governorship elections. The Journalists were trained to detect disinformation, use fact-checking tools, and provide factual election coverage without biases to ensure accurate information reaches the public. Project Title:  NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY INITIATIVE Activities The training was conducted by the NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS’ SAFETY INITIATIVE, a pivotal component of a three-year project named ‘Safety Awareness and Impactful Reporting of Communities’, overseen by IPC and supported by the Open Society Foundation (OSF). The primary objective of this capacity-building initiative was two-fold: firstly, to equip local journalists

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