INEC STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS




The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), has commenced a two-day technical workshop in Lagos to develop a Strategic Communications Plan for the 2027 General Elections.


The workshop, holding from 23 to 24 October 2026, brings together National Commissioners and senior management staff of the Commission to define communication priorities, strengthen institutional coordination and information-sharing, and develop proactive strategies for effective engagement with electoral stakeholders and the public.


Declaring the workshop open, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu Haruna, described the initiative as long overdue but timely, particularly as the Commission intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Elections.


He explained that the current complement of National Commissioners remained incomplete, as the process of filling existing vacancies was still ongoing, accounting for the absence of some Commissioners at the workshop.


Mallam Haruna also commended IFES for its sustained support and commitment to strengthening the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and democratic institutions.


The Strategic Communications Plan is expected to provide a coordinated framework for the timely dissemination of accurate, consistent and credible electoral information, while strengthening communication across the Commission and enhancing public understanding of electoral processes.


A key feature of the Plan will be a crisis communication framework to guide INEC’s response to emerging issues before, during and after the elections. The framework is expected to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to address misinformation, respond promptly to public concerns and maintain transparent, consistent and credible communication throughout the electoral cycle.


Other National Commissioners in attendance included Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, Prof. Rhoda Gumus and Prof. Sunday Aja. Also present were the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Adedayo Oketola; the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi; and other senior management staff of the Commission.


The initiative reflects INEC’s commitment to strengthening institutional communication, promoting transparency and accountability, and building public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.


Through the development of a comprehensive and coordinated communications framework, the Commission seeks to enhance stakeholder engagement and reinforce the role of timely, accurate and transparent information in the conduct of credible elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.