The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day strategic communication workshop for Heads of Voter Education and Publicity from its 36 state offices and the Federal Capital Territory as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, held in Abuja, is aimed at equipping the commission’s communication officers with skills to counter misinformation and disinformation, strengthen voter education and improve public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said effective communication would be critical to addressing the spread of false information and ensuring that Nigerians receive accurate and credible information about the electoral process.
Haruna disclosed that INEC expects to consolidate a voter register of more than 100 million Nigerians following the recently suspended Continuous Voter Registration exercise. He said the development presents a major responsibility for the commission as preparations continue and political campaigns commence ahead of the elections.
He also urged Nigerians not to place the responsibility for low voter turnout solely on INEC, stressing that political parties must play their part by mobilising supporters and strengthening internal democracy.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, said the training would enhance the capacity of communication officers across the country to manage election-related information, combat fake news and provide timely, accurate and credible information to the public.
She added that the workshop forms part of INEC’s broader preparations for the January 16, 2027 general election, with a focus on strengthening voter education and protecting the integrity of information surrounding the polls.
