Media, Gender, and Democracy: Stakeholders Push for Stronger Electoral Trust in Nigeria
Restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral process requires more than reforms, it demands a responsible, inclusive, and ethical media that amplifies truth and accountability.
This was the central message as the International Press Centre (IPC), in collaboration with the European Union, convened stakeholders in Abuja for the launch of a report on Electoral Trust and the signing of a Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The event, held on 3 November 2025, drew key figures from across the media and governance sectors. Professor Okey Ibeanu captured the essence of the day when he declared, “Trust is the currency of the democratic process.”
Other speakers, including Achike Chude, National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, underscored the need for collaboration between the media, civil society, and government to rebuild public confidence in elections.
NAWOJ National President, Aisha Ibrahim, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to ethical, gender-sensitive reporting and called on IPC to prioritise training for women journalists, particularly in the southern regions, to strengthen their role in promoting democracy.
The second phase of the event spotlighted women’s underrepresentation in the media. Director of the International Society for Media, Moji Makanjuola, described women journalists as “change makers,” urging greater recognition of their resilience and contributions.
Participants raised concerns about media welfare, the absence of INEC representation, and disparities in public-sector remuneration, issues they saw as critical to sustaining democratic trust.
The meeting concluded with a collective resolve to foster transparency, inclusivity, and gender equity in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n]
