By Gabriel Ameh
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, has described the Press Corps as an indispensable link between the Commission and the Nigerian electorate, emphasizing their critical role in upholding transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
Professor Amupitan made the remarks during the public presentation of the book titled “The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists”, authored by Comrade Segun Ojumu, at the Auditorium of The Electoral Institute, Abuja, on Friday.
Highlighting the importance of the media, the INEC Chairman stated that journalists not only report events but also validate the integrity of elections, ensuring that outcomes are transparent, verifiable, and trusted by the public.
“Your role is absolutely critical,” Amupitan said. “You are some of the frontline correspondents who ensure electoral outcomes are transparent and verifiable. You are important chroniclers who validate the integrity of the process for the entire nation.”
He further congratulated the author, noting that the book preserves for posterity the sacrifices, risks, and behind-the-scenes experiences of election reporters across Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.
“This book reminds us that democracy stands or falls on public trust,” he added. “The stories you tell, the accuracy you uphold, and the fairness you demonstrate play a critical role in legitimising election results. At a time when false narratives can spread faster than the truth, your meticulous and professional documentation is needed more than ever.”
In his welcome address, Comrade Ojumu described the book as his humble contribution to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria, drawing from his extensive experience covering local, state, and general elections. He encouraged everyone to obtain a copy, calling it highly educative and informative.
The book launch was attended by notable dignitaries, including Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council; representatives of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Mallam Aminu Idris; Prof. Ibrahim Sanni, Acting Director-General of The Electoral Institute; Mr. Jake Epelle, founder of The Albino Foundation; Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past INEC Chairman; senior INEC officials, and members of the INEC Press Corps.
