INEC MEETS CSOs AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS: SEEKS SUPPORTS

Abuja, Nigeria | February 2026

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for the support of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the media in its drive to conduct free, fair, and credible elections across the country.

This appeal was made at separate consultative meetings with members of civil society and media organizations during INEC’s first quarterly consultative meeting for 2026.
Reporting on the meetings, Timothy Yusuf said discussions with civil society organizations focused on preparations for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council polls, the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as early planning toward the 2027 general election.

Other key issues highlighted at the meeting included the continuous voter registration exercise, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by eligible voters in the FCT, the registration of political parties, and the conduct of bye-elections in some state constituencies.

INEC emphasized the need for sustained collaboration with civil society organizations, particularly in advocating for the National Assembly to conclude all processes leading to the amendment of the Electoral Act.

According to the Commission, timely amendment of the law would enable INEC to release the timetable and schedule of activities for the 2027 general election without delay.
In a similar consultative meeting with representatives of media organizations, the election management body sought the cooperation of the press in promoting credible elections and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process. INEC underscored the critical role of the media in voter education, accurate reporting, and combating misinformation before, during, and after elections.

The Commission noted that the last stakeholders’ consultative meeting of this nature was held in the last quarter of 2025, reaffirming its commitment to regular engagement with key partners in the electoral process.