The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a two-day strategic communication workshop for Heads of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) from its 36 state offices and the Federal Capital Territory as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The workshop, which opened in Abuja, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of INEC’s communication officers to tackle misinformation and disinformation, improve voter education and boost public confidence in the electoral process.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the training would equip communication officers with the skills required to effectively manage election information.
He said the growing volume of election-related information made it necessary for INEC to strengthen its communication structures and ensure that voters receive accurate information.
Haruna said the commission was preparing for a voter register that could exceed 100 million Nigerians following the recently suspended Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
“We expect to consolidate a voter register of over 100 million Nigerians,” he said, describing the development as a major communication and voter education challenge ahead of the election.
He said misinformation and disinformation remained significant threats to public confidence in the electoral process, stressing the need for communication officers to respond quickly and accurately to false claims.
“Our communication officers must be equipped to counter misinformation and disinformation and provide Nigerians with credible and timely information,” Haruna said.
Haruna also urged Nigerians not to blame low voter turnout solely on INEC, saying political parties and other stakeholders had important roles to play in mobilising citizens.
“Political parties have a responsibility to mobilise voters,” he said, while also calling for stronger internal democracy within the parties.
The Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the ability of state communication officers to manage election information and respond effectively to emerging challenges.
She said the training would help officers “effectively manage election information, tackle fake news and deliver accurate, timely and credible public communication” ahead of the January 16, 2027 general election.
Eta-Messi added that credible communication remained essential to building trust and ensuring that voters were properly informed throughout the electoral process.
The workshop is part of INEC’s broader preparations for the 2027 General Election and its efforts to strengthen voter education and public communication across the country.