A professor of Political Science at Lagos State University, Sylvester Akhaine, alongside the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has called for stronger collaboration among the media, electoral authorities, and voters to ensure credible elections in Nigeria.
They made the call on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, at the Fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organized by the NGE, themed “The Media, INEC, Voters, and the Path to Credible Elections.”
Delivering the keynote address, Akhaine said the credibility of the 2027 general elections would depend largely on the roles played by the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the electorate.
He noted that Nigeria’s democracy continues to face challenges such as vote-buying, misinformation, weak institutions, and declining public trust. According to him, no general election conducted since 1999 has been completely free and fair.
Akhaine described voters as central to democracy and urged continuous voter education to discourage electoral inducement. He also called on INEC to strengthen transparency, adopt technology, and ensure greater independence in its operations.
In the media, he stressed the need for professionalism, accuracy, and adherence to constitutional responsibilities in holding government accountable.
NGE President Eze Anaba said the lecture’s theme reflects growing concerns about electoral integrity ahead of the next election cycle. He warned that flawed elections could weaken public confidence in democratic institutions.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, also cautioned against fake news and urged media practitioners to uphold ethical standards.
The lecture, held in honor of late former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, drew media leaders, academics, and public officials. Stakeholders at the event also proposed renaming Lagos State University after Jakande in recognition of his contributions to journalism, governance, and education.
