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By Myke Agunwa
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) on Friday described members of the INEC Press Corps as “one of the indispensable links between the Commission and the Nigerian people,” stressing that credible elections cannot succeed without accurate and fearless journalism.
Speaking at the public presentation of The INEC Press Corps: ‘Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists’ authored by the Corps Chairman, Mr. Segun Ojumu, at The Electoral Institute, Abuja, Prof. Amupitan praised the author for his sacrifices in documenting Nigeria’s often turbulent electoral process.
“This book is more than a collection of stories. It is a comprehensive documentation of the risks, the behind-the-scenes experiences, and the professionalism of reporters who ensure electoral outcomes are transparent and verifiable.
“At a time when false narratives spread faster than truth, your meticulous documentation is needed more than ever. Democracy stands or falls on public trust,” he admonished.
The INEC boss, who assumed office in November 2025, used the occasion to reaffirm the Commission’s commitment to free, fair and inclusive elections ahead of a packed 2026 calendar that includes the FCT Area Council polls in February and governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun States.
He highlighted recent successes the Anambra governorship election, extended PVC collection, the Peace Accord signing, and massive security deployments, attributing their smooth public reception to the Press Corps’ “incredible power” in informing and mobilising citizens.
Prof. Amupitan urged journalists to rely solely on INEC’s official channels for verification, declaring: “The era of rumour and unverified sources must end.”
He called for deeper collaboration to combat vote-buying, rigging and deliberate falsehoods that suppress turnout or incite violence, adding: “Elections do not succeed on BVAS and IReV alone; they succeed when the public believes the information they receive.”
The INEC Chairman described the book as “a roadmap for building a more accountable electoral future” and thanked Mr. Ojumu and the entire Press Corps for their service to Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, described the book as an exploration of the crucial, often unseen role played by the men and women of the Press Corps who are dedicated to chronicling Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“When you flip through the pages of this book, you are not just reading about elections, you are reading a history of courage. You are reading about journalists who are often on the ground, first on the ground, and the last to leave. Those who stand between unverified rumor and verified truth.
“In writing this, I felt, I should say, a deep obligation to accurately reflect the risks taken in the name of informed democracy. These stories are a powerful reminder of the hazards we as journalists face. We see it in the harrowing experience of our colleagues.
“And you are going to see the accounts of others who are documented. Their stories underscore the high personal price that journalists pay when they go on assignments to cover elections, often in a volatile environment, far from the comfort of their newsrooms. The pursuit of credible elections requires more than just dedicated staff and good laws. It requires brave journalists willing to risk their safety to deliver the truth.
“This book, right here, is a testament, it is a tribute to their resilience. But I must say here that this book is not merely a record of risks. It is also a journey of evolution. It offers a unique ground-level perspective on how the Independent National Electoral Commission has actively redefined Nigeria’s electoral landscape. We trace the meticulous, sometimes difficult path of change driven by the adoption of technology, from accreditation systems to the public view of results on the IREV” Ojumu stated.
The event had in attendance IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, Acting Director General, The Electoral Institute Prof. Ibrahim Sani, FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Hon. Imaila Isah, Representative of the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, media executives and senior INEC officials.