The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for staff of its Voter Education and Publicity Department, aimed at strengthening strategic communication and countering misinformation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The workshop began on Wednesday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, as part of the Commission’s broader preparations for electoral activities scheduled for 2026 and beyond.
In a statement posted on INEC’s official X page, the Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, who represented the department’s Director, Victoria Eta-Messi, described the training as timely and relevant, noting that it had been planned earlier but delayed due to operational demands during previous elections.
Ifogah warned that emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, have heightened the spread of false information, posing significant challenges to 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, urging participants to engage actively and share practical experiences during the sessions.
He also stressed the importance of collaboration within the Commission and with external stakeholders to build public trust.
“Interdepartmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement are critical to ensuring credible elections,” he added.
The training, organised in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), featured opening remarks by IFES Nigeria Project Manager, Judith Toryem. IFES Kenya Country Director and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Nigeria, Obaje Ukeh, delivered a session on strategic communication, public perception and the role of social media in electoral contexts, noting that effective information management plays a key role in shaping public confidence in elections.
INEC stated that the workshop is expected to enhance staff capacity to navigate the evolving information environment and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process ahead of future polls.
In a related development, the Commission warned the public to disregard a false article circulating online claiming that it had released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections.
INEC described the report as “not authentic” and clarified that it has not issued any official timetable, schedule of activities or dates for the 2027 General Elections.