The International Press Centre and the Centre for Media and Society have launched the Anambra Election Observation Hub to ensure a transparent and credible electoral process in the upcoming governorship election. The initiative is supported by the European Union’s programme for democratic governance in Nigeria.
With over 2.8 million registered voters set to cast their ballots across 5,718 polling units, the organisations aim to monitor the election in real-time, protect journalists, and counter misinformation. The hub will utilise radio and television engagements to urge key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies, to guarantee journalists’ safety and freedom to operate during the polls.
The safety of journalists is crucial for accurate and independent election reporting, which reinforces electoral integrity and public trust. The organisations have been using various platforms to educate voters on election day procedures and will coordinate press briefings, field monitoring, and live media assessments across traditional and digital platforms.
The hub will also track safety risks faced by journalists, conduct electoral fact-checking, and provide real-time analysis through radio and television updates. A rapid response mechanism will be established to allow for swift identification and escalation of election-related incidents, such as threats to journalists, voter suppression, or disinformation.
A pre-election risk analysis revealed multiple cases of press intimidation, including the detention of 18 journalists by vigilante operatives during a senatorial by-election in August 2025. This highlights the need for authorities to guarantee a safe environment for media professionals to report freely and without fear.
The Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade, stated that the organisation is leveraging data and technology to identify and mitigate risks, including evolving digital threats such as coordinated misinformation targeting journalists. The Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu, emphasized that the hub’s data-driven approach will strengthen media accountability and ensure voters have access to trustworthy information in real-time.
The Anambra Election Observation Hub is a crucial initiative that aims to promote a free and fair electoral process. By monitoring the election in real-time and protecting journalists, the hub can help to prevent electoral irregularities and ensure that the voices of citizens are heard. As the election approaches, the hub’s work will be critical in promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.