The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a two-day capacity-building workshop for staff of its Voter Education and Publicity Department, aimed at enhancing strategic communication and combating misinformation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The training, which started on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, forms part of INEC’s wider preparation for electoral activities scheduled for 2026 and beyond. The workshop is designed to equip staff with modern skills needed to manage the evolving information landscape and build public confidence in the electoral process.
In a statement posted on INEC’s official X page, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, who represented the department’s Director, Victoria Eta-Messi, described the training as timely and necessary.
He explained that the workshop had been planned earlier but was delayed due to operational demands during previous elections.
Ifogah highlighted the increasing threat of misinformation, noting that emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence have accelerated the spread of false narratives. He urged participants to proactively monitor the media space, respond promptly to misleading information, and safeguard electoral integrity.
“We must be proactive in monitoring the media space, responding effectively to false narratives, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process,” he said, calling on staff to actively participate and share practical experiences during the sessions.
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He also emphasised the importance of collaboration within the Commission and with external stakeholders, stating that such partnerships are essential for maintaining public trust in elections.
The workshop, organised in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), featured opening remarks from IFES Nigeria Project Manager, Judith Toryem.
A key session was delivered by IFES Kenya Country Director and Nigeria Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Obaje Ukeh, who spoke on strategic communication, public perception, and the role of social media in election management. Ukeh noted that effective information management is crucial in shaping public confidence in electoral processes.
INEC stated that the workshop aims to strengthen staff capacity to navigate emerging communication challenges and enhance public trust ahead of future polls.
In a related development, the Commission warned the public to ignore a false online report claiming it had released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections. INEC described the article as “not authentic,” clarifying that no official timetable, schedule, or election dates have been issued.