The International Press Centre and the Centre for Media and Society have launched the Anambra Election Observation Hub to ensure a transparent and credible governorship election. The initiative is supported by the European Union’s programme for democratic governance in Nigeria. With over 2.8 million registered voters expected 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 use 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. Safeguarding journalists is essential for accurate, 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 channels.
In addition, the hub will 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 swiftly identify and escalate 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, highlighting the need for authorities to guarantee a safe environment for media professionals.
Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre, said the organisation is leveraging data and technology to identify and mitigate risks, including evolving digital threats such as coordinated misinformation targeting journalists. Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, 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 prevent electoral irregularities and ensure that citizens’ voices are heard. As the election approaches, the hub’s work will be critical in promoting transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
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