2023 ELECTIONS: INEC, Media Executives Meet to Review 2023 Electoral Process
Oru Leonard
The Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu has on Wednesday, 26th July, 2023 met with Media Executives and Heads of Various Media Organisations.
The 2023 election review with the media is the sixth in the series of meetings with critical stakeholders held by the Commission in the last three weeks.
In his remarks, Prof Yakubu said, the commission appreciate the media as they remain one of the critical stakeholders. Beyond voter and civic education, INEC regularly consult media ahead of formulation of policies or the implementation of activities.
Professor Yakubu noted that there is a long-standing partnership between the Commission and the media which the INEC appreciate.
“Beyond reporting on INEC activities, the Commission is also convinced that as citizens you should be part of the discussion for the overall improvement of our electoral process based on your field observations”, he stated.
Speaking, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, said, the media as the fourth estate of the realm, played a crucial role in upholding the pillars of democracy – transparency, accountability, and the right to information.
He said the 2023 General Elections were a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, where the collective voice of the people resonated through the ballot box.
Discussing the four key areas that have shaped the electoral process, the NUJ President said the accreditation of Media Organizations and Personnel which is the pivotal role of the media in the electoral process cannot be overemphasized. They are: Coverage of the Election by Mainstream, Social, and Online Media, Public Enlightenment and Voter Education, and access to Media.
Comrade Chris Isiguzo said, the review meeting is an invaluable opportunity for introspection and improvement. He urged media executives to seize the moment to contribute thoughtfully so as to improve the process and, by extension, the health of our democracy.
Media Executives relayed
