The Independent National Electoral Commission has launched a two-day training programme for its Voter Education and Publicity Department staff in Keffi, Nasarawa State, focusing on strategic communication and tackling misinformation as the country prepares for the 2027 General Elections.
The workshop, which started on Wednesday, January 21, was announced in a statement posted on INEC’s official X account.
Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, represented the department’s Director, Victoria Eta-Messi, at the event and praised the timing of the training.
“Timely and relevant, as the Commission continues preparations for electoral activities in 2026 and beyond,” Ifogah said, explaining that the programme had been scheduled before previous elections but was postponed due to operational pressures.
Ifogah drew attention to the growing threat of false information enabled by new technologies and artificial intelligence.
He stressed the importance of being alert to misinformation in the media environment and responding quickly to protect the credibility of elections.
“We must be proactive in monitoring the media space, responding effectively to false narratives, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process,” he said, encouraging participants to engage actively in the sessions and share their real-world experiences.
READ ALSO:Â Ekiti Polls: INEC Lifts Campaign Ban Wednesday, Warns Against Hate Speech
The deputy director also underscored the importance of working together both within INEC and with external partners.
“Interdepartmental collaboration and engagement with stakeholders are critical in building public trust and ensuring credible elections,” Ifogah noted.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems partnered with INEC to organise the training, with Judith Toryem, IFES Nigeria’s Project Manager, handling participant introductions.
Obaje Ukeh, who serves as IFES Kenya Country Director and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Nigeria, led a session covering strategic communication, public perception, and the use of social media in election settings.
He emphasised that proper information management directly affects how much trust citizens have in the electoral system.
“How information is managed can significantly influence citizens’ confidence in the electoral process,” Ukeh said.
According to INEC, the workshop is designed to equip staff with better skills to handle the changing information environment and boost public trust in future elections.