The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria-Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) project recently organised a pivotal one-day Media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) roundtable event in Abuja. The gathering focused on ‘re-examining the role of stakeholders in rebuilding trust in the electoral processes and institutions’ within Nigeria.
The initiative, conceived under the overarching framework of strengthening the media’s role in advancing democratic governance, aims to promote fair, accurate, ethical, and inclusive coverage of electoral processes across Nigeria. With media platforms—broadcast, print, and online—playing crucial roles in engaging the democratic process through professional coverage and reportage, the project seeks to further support the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Akin Akingbulu, emphasised the collective responsibility of stakeholders to generate crucial ideas that will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, electoral processes, and institutions, including the election management body.
Reflecting on the project’s objectives, the Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade highlighted the necessity of strengthening the media’s role in promoting democratic governance. He stressed the importance of fair, accurate, ethical, and inclusive media coverage to restore public confidence and trust, crucial for delivering free, fair, peaceful, and credible elections in Nigeria.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mary Mkem, urged collaborative efforts among media, CSOs, and all stakeholders present. Mkem emphasised the collective responsibility to elevate Nigeria’s electoral activities, stressing that the nation belongs to all citizens. She called for concerted efforts to ensure the realisation of the desired standard of elections.
The roundtable event served as a platform for robust discussions and strategic planning aimed at enhancing trust in Nigeria’s electoral processes and institutions. With collaborative efforts and a commitment to upholding democratic principles, stakeholders aim to pave the way for transparent, credible, and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
