Ekiti Decides: IPC, CEMESO Urge Professional, Safety-Conscious Election Coverage, Partner With State Police 

By Joseph Sunday 

Ado-Ekiti – Ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 20 June 2026 across 16 local government areas, the International Press Centre (IPC) and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) have urged journalists and media workers covering the Saturday poll to maintain professional standards while prioritizing their safety.

IPC Executive Director, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said the guidance is necessary given the pivotal role journalists play during elections and the risks they can face in the field. 

He reminded reporters to remain non‑partisan, noting that partisanship includes overt signs of political affiliation such as party colours, symbols, slogans, or language that suggests bias.

Mr. Arogundade also advised journalists to be properly equipped and officially accredited before deployment. “Reporters should be fully kitted and carry their accreditation and press/media identification visibly to avoid unnecessary questioning, obstruction, or harassment by security agencies,” he said. 

He added that journalists not on official election duty should avoid entering polling units during the voting period.

CEMESO Executive Director, Dr. Akin Akingbulu underscored that the conditions under which journalists work reflect a society’s commitment to democratic values. “Every election tests those values, and how journalists are treated in the field is a clear measure of that commitment,” he said.

To strengthen protection for media workers, IPC/CEMESO will partner with the Ekiti State Police Command on election day. Under this arrangement, journalists who experience violations or attacks can reach the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) responsible for the relevant area.

IPC/CEMESO have also designated safety alert officers whom journalists can contact directly in cases of threats or incidents.

In addition, Mr. Arogundade urged other stakeholders, including election observers, to pro-actively share information with journalists so they can report accurately and responsibly, helping to uphold the credibility of the electoral process. 

He encouraged reporters to register any threats with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State chapter.

IPC/CEMESO listed the following emergency contacts for journalists on the field: 

• Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer: +234 813 277 6441 

• Stella Nwofia, Monitoring Officer: +234 806 381 0424  

• Bukola Obaujo, Monitoring Officer: +234 814 633 3108  

• Naomi Ibrahim, Monitoring Officer: +234 806 554 5113.

Dr. Akingbulu described the IPC/CEMESO–Police partnership as a structural intervention to convert historically adversarial relations between security forces and the press into purposeful cooperation. 

He cautioned that collaboration must not become co‑optation, stressing that media independence is a democratic right and that protecting journalists is an investment in electoral integrity.

The IPC previously issued safety and professional guidance ahead of the 2027 presidential election to ensure journalists were equipped with tools and precautions for field reporting. 

That advisory is available as a PDF: https://www.ipcng.org/2023-general-elections/

Signed:  

Melody Akinjiyan, Press Freedom Officer, IPC