Anambra NUJ sets to partner INEC for credible governorship poll

By Uche Osunkwo

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra State Council, has assured the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of its readiness, resolve and preparation to give its full assistance towards a fulfilling result in the November 8, 2025 Governorship Election in the State.

Chairman of the Council, Dr Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, gave this assurance in his remarks at the INEC forum with Media Managers and Operators, held in Awka, Anambra State Capital.

Dr Odogwu, who expressed pleasure with the cordial and harmonious relationship existing between the media operators body and the election management agency, commended INEC for the efforts it has been making to ensure that the imminent election comes with the expected positive improvements. 

Represented by the Chapter Executive Secretary, Dr Okechukwu Onuegbu, the Chairman observed that the emphasis being given to public enlightenment/education by INEC is in the right direction, pointing out that ignorance encourages electoral malpractices.

He appealed that INEC endeavours to round off all arrangements, including adequate provision and mobilization of the human and material essentials for election timely.

The successful forum featured expository talks on the electoral rules, guidelines and strategies, as well as interactive session on them between officers of INEC and the media/information/news managers.

It served as a platform to deepen collaboration between INEC and the media, with an emphasis on combating misinformation, promoting voter education, and fostering public trust in the electoral process.

Speaking at the occasion, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Anambra State, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, acknowledge the role of media in safeguarding democracy and promoting credible elections.

Agwu, who argued that while INEC bears the constitutional mandate to conduct credible elections, media professionals were indispensable partners in delivering accurate and balanced information to the public.

She urged journalists to continue to educate citizens, counter misinformation, and support INEC’s efforts in conducting credible polls, because everyone has a duty to vote and support the process.

“Your neutrality matters. Sometimes only one person knows you’re being fair, others may not, but keep doing what’s right,” she said.

Also speaking, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, represented by the Deputy Director of Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, praised journalists for their professionalism during the recent by-election, even as he reassured the INEC’s readiness for the November 8 poll. 

According to him, the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) were readily available for collection from October 22 to 26, 2025 at registration areas (326 electoral wards) and the media were needed in mobilizing voters.

The Commission also emphasized its stance against fake news, calling on media professionals to verify all reports before publication.

He reminded participants that the media accreditation portal will close on Thursday, October 24, with no extension, adding that collection of  tags from accredited journalists would take place at the NUJ Secretariat, Awka .