Media, INEC must safeguard electoral credibility, says Prof. Akhaine

From left, Managing Director /Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph, Mr. Ayodele Aminu; Editor, Vanguard Media, Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy Editor, Vanguard Media, Mr. Adekunle Adekoya; Editor, New Telegraph Newspaper, Ms. Juliet Bumaah, and Former Admin Manager, Vanguard Media, Mr. Alhassan Bello. at the 4TH Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture (2026) in Lagos.

Michael Olumide Alabi

Professor of Political Science at Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine, has stressed that credible elections are indispensable to achieving good governance in Nigeria, calling on the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters and other stakeholders to play their constitutional roles in safeguarding democracy.

Prof. Akhaine made the call while delivering the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections,” the university don said Nigeria’s electoral history has been characterised by manipulation, irregularities and controversies, adding that only transparent and credible elections can guarantee accountable leadership and sustainable democratic governance.

He noted that constitutional reforms and strict adherence to electoral laws are necessary to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

According to him, the media occupies a strategic position in every democracy by serving as a bridge between the government and the people and must therefore discharge its responsibilities with professionalism, fairness and objectivity.

Prof. Akhaine further stated that voter education remains critical to improving the quality of elections, stressing that citizens must be continuously enlightened to make informed electoral choices rather than succumb to financial inducements from desperate politicians.

He said both the media and INEC have important responsibilities in promoting civic education and encouraging greater public participation in the electoral process.

“If all the critical stakeholders faithfully perform their respective roles, I am convinced that Nigeria’s democratic journey will be firmly placed on the path of progress and credible governance,” he said.

In his remarks, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba, urged journalists across the country to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and responsibility in the discharge of their duties.

He said media practitioners should emulate the integrity, courage and exemplary leadership of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, whose contributions to journalism and public service remain worthy of emulation.

The memorial lecture attracted several prominent personalities from the media, government and other sectors.

Among those in attendance were the Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka; a representative of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; veteran journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch Magazine, Ray Ekpu; the widow of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as well as members of the Jakande family and other distinguished guests.

The annual memorial lecture is organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors to honour the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande and to promote discussions on issues critical to Nigeria’s democracy, governance and the media.