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Tackling Electoral Coverage Challenges During Elections: Revisiting Aspects of IPC & CEMESO Pre Ondo Governorship Election Interventions

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The challenges of electoral misinformation, inadequate political accountability, and persistent gaps in inclusion and gender equality are increasingly undermining the integrity of democratic processes. As these issues intensify, the need for credible and transparent elections has never been more urgent. A critical factor in addressing these challenges is the role the media can play because of its capacity to shape public opinion and influence voter behaviour. With the growing prominence of digital media, its impact on elections has also become even more significant. By fostering informed public discourse and promoting transparency, the media can play a pivotal role in ensuring fair, inclusive, and accountable electoral processes, restoring trust and stability in democracy. A critical meeting of minds Against the above background, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) as implementing partners of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance Project Phase Two (EU-SDGNII), organised series of critical engagements in Akure, from September 10 to 13, 2024, prior to the Ondo State off-cycle governorship election. The engagements served as platforms for fostering collaboration and strengthening the role of the media in promoting credible and transparent elections. Bringing together a diverse group of media professionals (both print and online), election officials, and civil society representatives, the “Media and Election Stakeholders Dialogue” was organised in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State chapter. The focus of the dialogue was to ensure that media practitioners and election stakeholders uphold accountability and responsibility in their roles. The event included a series of insightful presentations by resource persons and technical brainstorming sessions, all aimed at addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges that today’s elections face. The impact of Print and Online Media A key issue discussed during the dialogue focused on the role of media in setting the agenda for a renewed partnership aimed at improving democracy in Ondo State, particularly in relation to the upcoming off-cycle election. This session was facilitated by Dr. Tunde Fajimbola, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations at Elizade University. Dr. Fajimbola underscored the media’s crucial role in informing the electorate about the foundational purpose of government and its responsibilities. He asserted that the media must educate the public on the government’s essential functions: preserving life, protecting property, providing public goods, and promoting equality. It was highlighted that this understanding is vital for voters as they evaluate candidates’ promises and platforms, enabling them to make informed decisions that reflect the true role of government in society. Media’s Influence on Public Opinion During Elections A significant part of the dialogue explored the ways in which media influences voter perceptions and behaviour, highlighting its role in the broader democratic process. In a standout session titled “Informing the Electorate: Key Considerations for Ondo Governorship Elections,” Dr. Fajimbola spoke candidly about the important issues voters should consider when making informed decisions. He noted that the media can guide public decision-making by providing reports that focus on candidates’ plans for key issues. As an example, he suggested that the media should provide in-depth coverage of candidates’ strategies for developing infrastructure, particularly at the grassroots level, fostering industrialization, achieving economic growth, ensuring security, and creating jobs. Dr. Fajimbola also stressed the importance of the media focusing on candidates’ plans to improve essential sectors like education, healthcare, housing, food security, youth development, tourism, and sports. He added that by presenting voters with a clear understanding of each candidate’s policies, the media can help create a more informed and active electorate. The Media’s Role in Electoral Reporting: Emphasising Issue-Based Coverage This session underscored the importance of adhering to the highest standards of electoral reporting, with a strong emphasis on credibility and responsibility. The speaker highlighted that the media must prioritize fact-checking and source verification, avoid speculation and rumours, and ensure balanced coverage of all candidates and parties. A key aspect of the training was the importance of issue-based reporting. It was stressed that the media should focus on policy debates and discussions, analysing candidates’ manifestoes and track records. The media should explore how proposed policies will impact various demographics and communities, providing in-depth analysis of critical electoral issues. This approach allows voters to make well-informed decisions based on substantial policy discussions rather than political rhetoric. Gender-Friendly Reporting Practices: Promoting Inclusive and Equal Coverage The session also focused on the need for inclusive reporting, urging the media to represent a diverse range of voices and perspectives. It was emphasised that media outlets should ensure fair representation of all candidates and parties, paying particular attention to underrepresented issues and marginalized communities. This ensures that the electorate is provided with a comprehensive understanding of all viewpoints and concerns. Another important takeaway from the dialogue was the need for gender-sensitive reporting practices. The session emphasized the importance of avoiding gender bias and stereotypes in election coverage. It called for a greater focus on women’s issues and perspectives, and for equal representation of female candidates and voices in electoral reporting. By promoting gender-inclusive practices, the media can contribute to a more equitable and fair electoral process. Challenges to Issue-Based Reporting: Early Warning Checklist The discussion emphasised the significant challenges that media outlets face in covering elections, including limited resources, restricted access to information, political interference, misinformation, threats to personal safety, and intimidation. These factors create substantial barriers to effective media coverage, which is essential for a healthy democratic process. He urged media professionals to remain vigilant for early warning signs that could compromise issue-based reporting during elections. Such signs may detract from the core democratic values, fostering a negative media environment that distracts from substantive discussions about election issues. The discussion underscored that electoral manipulation frequently results in allegations of voter registration fraud and other deceptive practices, which can compromise the integrity of electoral processes. Additionally, it was noted that journalists should closely monitor key indicators, such as increasing tensions and instances of violence, which may manifest as physical confrontations,

Component 4 (Support to Media), EU-SDGN, Information Integrity, Media News, Media Training, News, Nigeria Elections, Opportunities for Journalists, Resources

FOSTERING JOURNALISTIC INTEGRITY FOR STRENGTHENED DEMOCRACY

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IPC Ups the Stakes of Fact-Checking, FOIA Use and Inclusivityin Election Coverage By Olutoyin Ayoade For a democracy to flourish, an informed citizenry attuned to current affairs is paramount. This raises a fundamental question about the effectiveness of the media in providing citizens with the necessary information, analysis, and contextual reports essential for informed decision-making on political candidates and policies. How can we enhance the quality of media engagement to improve the integrity of information available to the public? Additionally, considering resource constraints, what steps can journalists take to elevate and uphold reporting standards and enhance the quality of their news delivery to audiences? In responding to these concerns, the International Press Centre (IPC) recognises the significant impact of the media on societal dynamics and positive change. IPC employs a variety of strategies, such as media training, resource dissemination, and advocacy initiatives, to empower journalists nationwide. By providing support, advocacy, and training, IPC aims to elevate journalistic standards, preserve press freedom, and enable journalists to effectively inform the public. This assistance contributes to nurturing a vibrant media landscape in Nigeria and Africa, aiding in the advancement of democratic governance and sustainable development objectives through the promotion of ethical journalism. In further pursuit of these objectives, IPC, as lead partner of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGNII) project funded by the European Union recently organised a three-part workshop spanning a month to elevate journalists’ skills across the country. The workshops which took place in Akure, Ondo State, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State and Kaduna, Kaduna State brought together about 120 journalists from the six geo-political zones of the country with the training curriculum designed to equip them with vital tools and skills to tackle the challenges of the digital age in relation to information disorder while underscoring the importance of responsibility and ethical conduct. The training also aimed to address some of the critical media observations highlighted in the European Union Electoral Observation Mission (EU-EOM) final report on the 2023 Nigeria general elections, including the following:  The online sphere experienced a surge in false information, including sensationalized content spread across various platforms and media channels. Political entities and individuals contributed to this trend, targeting actors like INEC and mainstream media. False information circulated during presidential and state elections, especially around polling days.  Throughout the gubernatorial elections, a proliferation of misinformation was observed, ranging from false claims of candidate withdrawals to fabricated endorsements. The online sphere witnessed the dissemination of hate speech aimed at specific political factions in Nigeria.  The electoral discourse in Lagos was marked by divisive dialogues revolving around the ethnic origins of candidates. Female candidates encountered gender-based online harassment. Notably, the races in Rivers and Adamawa garnered significant user engagement, particularly highlighting prominent female contenders. However, the online narrative in Adamawa was tainted by the prevalence of misinformation.  The Nigerian Fact-checkers Coalition (NFC) comprising 12 organizations fact-checked 150 election-related cases from December 2022 to March 2023, raising awareness about disinformation risks. Collaboration among organizations optimized capacities, with peak fact-checking before the February 25th election and extending to state levels. The journalists who participated in the workshops demonstrated a notable improvement in their skills and understanding of how to combat disinformation, misinformation and mal information thus demonstrating commitment to curbing information disorder. The workshops focused on critical areas including utilising fact-checking and Freedom of Information tools. Attendees were equipped with essential competencies to navigate the complexities of the digital age effectively. Moreover, participants gained knowledge on enhancing post-election coverage of gender-related issues and tactics to address misinformation and gender biases. Facilitators Dr. Titi Osuagwu of the University of Port Harcourt; Dr. Fatimah Shaibu of The Polytechnic, Kaduna: Mr. Martins Oloja, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda and Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director, International Press Centre spearheaded the discussions with presentations on the selected topics. FOIA and Investigations in Post-Election Reporting on Democratic Governance. During the training session, Mr. Ojo and Mr. Oloja extensively delved into the topic of “Post-election Reporting: Leveraging the FOI Act and Investigative Techniques for Reporting on Democratic Governance and Electoral Accountability.” Recognizing the imperative for media practitioners to persist in advocating for a governance system characterized by accountability and responsibility, the expert sessions highlighted the pivotal role of the media in advocating for transparency to bolster good governance. Emphasizing that adherence to regulations nurtures trust and credibility, the facilitators underscored the importance of this principle. The session also emphasised the vanguard role the media can play in utilising FOI Act to bolster accountability by regulatory bodies across sectors. They underscored the importance of assessing adherence to statutory regulations and the significance of journalists incorporating data into their reporting to enrich the depth, accuracy, and impact of their narratives. Moreover, the sessions also buttressed the fact that the practice not only elevates the quality of journalism but also fosters transparency by holding governmental entities accountable for their assertions, declarations, and commitments. In addition, that data-driven reporting offers empirical evidence, enhances public comprehension, facilitates informed decision-making, and validates assertions through the meticulous cross-referencing of data from credible sources to uphold accuracy. The discussion also encompassed various topics related to the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), such as the process of submitting FOI requests, permissible information, judicial review procedures, offenses outlined in the FOI Act, the responsibilities of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and safeguards for whistleblowers. The sessions emphasised the need for thorough examination of the foundational tenets of the FOI Act and the Access to Information (ATI) framework. This analysis concentrated on crucial aspects, such as record-keeping procedures, the designation of information officers within public institutions, educating officials on the public’s right to access information, handling FOI applications, adhering to response deadlines, submitting annual reports, and the obligatory proactive disclosure of specific information by public entities. Additionally, it was highlighted that certain exemptions exist for information that could potentially compromise international relations or national defence. A

EUSDGN II, Media Training, News, Nigeria Elections, Nigerian Journalists, Publications, Resources

Overview of IPC’s 2023 Activities

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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

#Eu4DemocracyNg, 2023 Elections, News, Publications, Resources, Support to media, Women In Politics

EU Support Boosts Female Representation in Nigerian Leadership

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Accounting for half of the population, women in Nigeria remain significantly underrepresented in political engagement and governmental positions. Compared to other African nations, Nigeria ranks among the lowest in terms of female representation in political spheres, primarily due to entrenched structural and societal obstacles hindering women’s involvement in political decision-making. To address this disparity, the International Press Centre (IPC) initiated a capacity-building program aimed at enhancing women’s political participation in the forthcoming 2023 Nigerian Elections. As part of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase II (EUSDGN II) project, the organization conducted specialized training sessions under the media support component to empower female politicians from southern Nigeria and Kwara state. These sessions focused on advanced strategic communication, media engagement techniques, and the effective utilization of traditional and online platforms in political processes and campaigns. The EU training sessions conducted in Osogbo and Port-Harcourt on the 12th and 13th of December 2022 align with the objectives of the EU-SDGN media component, aiming to bolster the Nigerian media’s role in advancing democratic governance. This is achieved through fostering impartial, precise, principled, and comprehensive coverage of electoral processes and elections in Nigeria. These training sessions provided an invaluable platform for the 45 female candidates in attendance to engage with journalists, exchange perspectives, expectations, and insights on women’s involvement in politics. They also drew from the experiences of elected female politicians, focusing on implementing post-election initiatives and receiving capacity-building support. Noteworthy is the success story of four female lawmakers, namely Hon. Fakunle Iyabo Okieimen and Hon. Maryam Ogunlade from the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Rita Agbo Ayim from the Cross River State House of Assembly, and Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba from the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. These lawmakers, who participated in the IPC capacity-building initiatives before the 2023 State House of Assembly elections, credited the acquired skills for aiding them in developing effective campaign strategies and communicating compellingly with voters, ultimately contributing to their electoral triumphs. Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba, a member of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), emphasised the profound impact of the training session for female candidates in Port Harcourt on her political trajectory. Leveraging the insights gleaned from the training, she orchestrated transformative changes within her media team to refine specific elements of her campaign. This restructuring involved strategically reallocating team members to elevate the visual appeal and messaging of her manifesto, profile, and press releases, with a keen focus on resonating with grassroots voters via prominent online platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Furthermore, she adopted innovative tactics such as crafting visually engaging posters with compelling narratives for rallies, drawing inspiration from discussions on optimizing the visibility of female candidates across social media and digital channels. Through a concentrated effort on media development and fostering connections, Hon. Ayibanegiyefa Egba endeavored to bolster her presence within the political sphere. Honorable Rita Agbo Ayim, representing the PDP in Ogoja, Cross River, emerged victorious in the State House of Assembly elections. She highlighted the challenges faced in utilizing traditional media due to the unique circumstances of her location, which led her media team to focus on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp to effectively communicate with rural audiences through group sharing. Furthermore, she undertook a proactive approach by conducting door-to-door campaigns, organizing rallies in marketplaces, and distributing campaign materials such as handbills and posters reflecting her revised manifestos developed after participating in a training workshop for female candidates facilitated by IPC. Capitalising on gender inclusivity, Rita engaged with clergy members to host women-centric town hall meetings across various communities in Ogoja, a strategic move that significantly contributed to her landslide victory in the election. Empowered by the training she received, Rita directed her media team to compile polling data from her constituency, a move aimed at bolstering her defense against potential legal challenges to her win by her opponent. Honorable Fakunle Iyabo Okieimen, who secured a seat in the Ekiti State House of Assembly, attributed her successful campaign to the subjects addressed in the training organised by IPC. She underscored that the training bolstered her understanding of the crucial influence of various media platforms, such as print, electronic, and online channels, in shaping her public persona and increasing voter awareness. In conclusion, the training programs supported by the European Union have played a pivotal role in empowering women in the region. These initiatives have provided women with the necessary skills and confidence to engage in political leadership roles actively. Their accomplishments not only position them as role models but also advocates for promoting a more equitable and inclusive social structure.    

#Eu4DemocracyNg, 2023 Elections, Communique, Elections Monitoring, European Union, EUSDGN II

Communique

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Issued at the end of a One-Day Stakeholders’ Roundtable on the Media Monitoring Report on Trends in Coverage of 2023 Electoral Process, held on Wednesday March 8, 2023 at Echelon Heights Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Preamble The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos-Nigeria, the lead implementing partner of Component 4 (Support to Media) of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project, convened a one-day stakeholders’ roundtable on the outcome of the media monitoring report on the trends in coverage of 2023 electoral process (January 2023) on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The roundtable brought together media stakeholders to analyse the issues arising from the trends in reportage of 15 print/online newspapers and observation on the activities on INEC website/twitter platform for the period January 2023. The roundtable also addressed related issues of media coverage of the 2023 electoral process, especially ahead of the Governorship and House of Assembly elections following which the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and the Safety Advisory on the Coverage of Elections were also presented and discussed. The roundtable was attended by the leadership of media professional bodies/associations; reporters from the print, broadcast and online mediums and representatives of the academia and the civil society.  Those in attendance and who delivered goodwill remarks and presentations included Mrs. Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Rivers State chapter and Comrade Job Stanley, Chairman of Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), who also doubled as a discussant of the expert review by Dr. Dike Harcourt Whyte of Rivers State University. The other discussant was Mrs. Emem Okon, the Executive Director of Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre. IPC’s Communication Officer, Ms. Olutoyin Ayoade, delivered the welcome remarks while the Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade made a presentation on the Conflict Sensitivity and Safety Consciousness in the context of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Observations: Following the presentations, the participants observed that: Recommendations: In line with the requirements of the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and other regulatory frameworks like the Nigeria Broadcasting Code and the Electoral Act 2022 as well as the IPC Safety Advisory, the participants recommended that journalists and other media professionals should in the aftermath of the presidential and National Assembly elections and ahead of the governorship and state assembly elections strive to: Finally, the participants called on the government, the law enforcement and security agents, the political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission and media proprietors to ensure that they provide the enabling environment for journalists to professionally report the electoral processes and elections. SGD:                                                                                                                         Melody Akinjiyan                                                                                       Press Freedom/Project Officer, IPC   melodyakinjiyan@ipcng.org                                                                            

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