2027 Elections: Credible Polls Depend on Responsible Media, Transparent INEC, Informed Voters — Akhaine, Editors …Stakeholders Seek Renaming of LASU After Lateef Jakande

This consensus emerged at the Fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos. The lecture, themed “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections,” honoured the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande—renowned journalist, former Lagos State Governor, and past President of the NGE.

The event drew an impressive gathering of media veterans, academics, public officials, civil society actors and students. Among those in attendance were NGE President and Editor of Vanguard, Mr. Eze Anaba; Vanguard Publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka; veteran journalist and Newswatch co-founder, Mr. Ray Ekpu; members of the Jakande family led by his widow, Alhaja Sikirat Jakande; and representatives from Lagos State University (LASU), Yaba College of Technology and other institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sylvester Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, stressed that the media, electoral umpire and citizens must collectively safeguard Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the next electoral cycle.

“For credible elections to take place in our country, the media, INEC and voters all have indispensable roles to play,” Akhaine declared.

Describing the lecture’s theme as timely, Akhaine said Nigeria’s democratic journey continues to face significant challenges, including state capture, weakened institutions and declining public trust in governance.

According to him, these factors have contributed to rising insecurity and an increasing dependence on community-based security structures alongside conventional security agencies.

The political scientist lamented the nation’s entrenched political culture, which he said is characterized by monetised politics, poor leadership recruitment and voter apathy.

He, however, reaffirmed the historic role of the media as a vehicle for public enlightenment, accountability and democratic development, noting that the press has remained central to Nigeria’s political evolution.

Tracing the history of electoral administration in Nigeria—from the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) established in 1959 to the present-day INEC founded in 1998—Akhaine observed that while election management bodies have proliferated globally since the third wave of democratization, many African countries still struggle to guarantee their independence.

He described voters as the “transmission belt of democratic consent,” insisting that citizens remain the ultimate custodians of electoral legitimacy.

Akhaine noted that truly credible elections are marked by the absence of ballot stuffing, vote-buying, intimidation and gerrymandering, while citing international instruments such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the ECOWAS Protocol and SADC Guidelines as benchmarks for free and fair elections.

Reviewing Nigeria’s electoral history, he argued that none of the seven general elections conducted since the country’s return to democracy in 1999 could be adjudged entirely free and fair.

He referenced major electoral controversies, including the disputed 1964/65 elections, the 1979 “two-thirds” constitutional debate, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the widely criticized 2007 general elections.

Akhaine also warned of emerging threats posed by misinformation, fake news and post-truth politics, exacerbated by digital platforms, bots and coordinated online manipulation.

Call for Institutional Reforms

The professor called for greater collaboration among the media, INEC and the electorate to strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

He urged journalists to uphold Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandate the press to hold government accountable and guarantee freedom of expression.

He also challenged INEC to deepen its technological reforms, strengthen institutional independence and leverage its financial autonomy to improve electoral credibility.

Akhaine further endorsed recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, particularly the proposal to remove the appointment of INEC leadership from the exclusive control of the executive branch.

He emphasized the need for sustained voter education to empower citizens to make informed choices and resist electoral inducements.

“If these critical stakeholders faithfully discharge their responsibilities, Nigeria’s democratic train will be firmly placed on the right track,” he stated.

Speaking earlier, NGE President Eze Anaba said the choice of the lecture theme reflected growing concerns over the integrity of elections as the nation approaches another democratic transition.

He noted that credible elections remain the bedrock of legitimate governance and warned that public distrust in the electoral process could undermine confidence in democratic institutions.

Anaba called on the media to maintain professionalism, fairness and accuracy in election reporting, while urging INEC to continue to demonstrate transparency, competence and impartiality.

He added that the memorial lecture, instituted in 2023, was established to preserve the values exemplified by Jakande—service, integrity, visionary leadership and commitment to the public good.

Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Lai Olorode, described the late Jakande as an uncommon leader whose life was devoted to the welfare of the people, urging today’s political leaders to emulate his enduring legacy.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, paid glowing tribute to Jakande as an exceptional journalist and administrator whose contributions continue to inspire generations of Nigerians.

Sanwo-Olu also cautioned against the proliferation of fake news and misinformation, emphasizing the need for journalists to uphold ethical standards and factual reporting.

He welcomed ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to address challenges confronting traditional media, particularly in relation to global digital platforms.

Stakeholders Back LASU Renaming Proposal

Meanwhile, stakeholders at the memorial lecture advocated the renaming of Lagos State University after the late Lateef Jakande, describing the proposal as a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on education, journalism and public service remains indelible.

Supporters of the initiative argued that immortalising Jakande through the institution would serve as a lasting reminder of his contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria’s democratic development.

The call added a symbolic dimension to an event dedicated to celebrating one of Nigeria’s most revered statesmen, even as participants reiterated the urgent need to strengthen the institutions that underpin the nation’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.