Nigeria’s democracy is often measured by ballots cast and results declared.
However,behind every election outcome lies a less visible force of journalists who navigate danger, misinformation and political pressure to keep the public informed.
This reality took centre stage in Abuja as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, paid tribute to the INEC Press Corps for their indispensable role in safeguarding electoral transparency.
The commendation came during the public presentation of a new book, “The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,” authored by the Corps’ Chairman, Segun Ojumu.
The event, held at The Electoral Institute, Abuja, brought together Nigeria’s top electoral, security and political stakeholders.
At the launch Prof. Amupitan described the book as a landmark contribution to Nigeria’s electoral history, noting that it documents the sacrifices and risks journalists endure while covering elections across volatile environments.
According to him, the over 100-member INEC Press Corps remains a critical link between the Commission and the electorate, especially during sensitive processes such as governorship elections and Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
“In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly, professionalism and accuracy are not optional,” Amupitan said, stressing that credible journalism remains essential to sustaining public trust in elections.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparency ahead of major polls, including the 2026 FCT Area Council elections and upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun states.
He said Journalists must rely on verified INEC platforms and reject unconfirmed sources as part of efforts to combat vote-buying and false narratives.
For Segun Ojumu, the writer of the book he explained that it’s more than a publication, it is a national record of courage.
“What began as a simple thought during a morning walk, has become one of Nigeria’s most politically revealing accounts of election reporting”.
“December 2025 marks over a decade of covering elections”, a period he says transformed both Nigeria’s electoral system and election journalism.
“This book is not just about elections,” Ojumu said. “It is about the people who stand between rumour and reality.”
The pages document near-death experiences, including the ordeal of a journalist whose election assignment almost cost him his life, a reminder of the physical risks reporters face in hostile political environments.
He continued, “Beyond physical danger, the book exposes another silent crisis, mental trauma among journalists covering volatile elections”.
Ojumu called for specialised training and psychological support, arguing that journalist safety should be treated as democratic infrastructure, not an afterthought.
He also highlighted how technology has reshaped election reporting, forcing journalists to interpret digital accreditation systems and real-time result platforms under intense public scrutiny.
“This is no longer just about chasing soundbites,” he warned. “Election journalists must now understand data and explain technology in real time.”
A Challenge to Power
Ojumu’s message to political parties, security agencies and government institutions was clear: democracy cannot thrive if journalists are unprotected.
The book, he said, carries two ambitions; to inspire journalists to document their own histories and to push for institutional collaboration on journalist safety during elections.
Why This Story Matters
What makes Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists politically significant is not only what it records, but what it exposes:
The physical danger behind election coverageThe psychological toll of political reporting
The digital disruption of Nigeria’s electoral systemThe fragile bridge between power and public trust
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the book reframes democracy not as an abstract ideal, but as a daily struggle fought by journalists on the frontlines.
Written by Julian Osamoto
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