By By Abdul Jelil Adebayo
The Vice Chancellor of BAZE University, Abuja, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, has called for a stronger partnership among the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that democracy could be endangered if any of the critical institutions fails in its responsibility.
Professor Adeniyi made the call while delivering the keynote address at the 2nd Annual Lecture of the National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC 90s) in Abuja. Speaking on the theme, “The Media, INEC, Security Agencies, and the Integrity of the 2027 General Elections,” he argued that credible elections are not produced by electoral laws alone but by the collective conduct of institutions entrusted with the democratic process.
According to him, the 2027 elections will be one of the most consequential in Nigeria’s democratic journey, taking place at a time when citizens are increasingly demanding transparency, accountability, and good governance.
“The integrity of an election begins long before the first ballot is cast and continues long after the results are announced,” he said. “It is shaped by the quality of information available to citizens, the competence and neutrality of electoral managers, and the professionalism of security agencies.”
The Vice Chancellor described the media as the “first line of democratic accountability,” noting that journalists have a responsibility not only to report events but also to help citizens distinguish between facts, propaganda, and deliberate misinformation.
He warned that the growing influence of social media, artificial intelligence, and digital manipulation has created unprecedented challenges for electoral communication.
“The battle for election integrity is increasingly becoming a battle against disinformation,” he stated. “False narratives can travel faster than facts, distort public perception, inflame tensions, and undermine confidence in democratic institutions.”
Professor Adeniyi urged journalists covering the electoral process to prioritize verification, fairness, context, and professionalism, adding that political reporting should not become an extension of partisan campaigns.
He also called on media organisations to strengthen fact-checking mechanisms and invest in election reporting training ahead of the 2027 polls.
Turning to INEC, the scholar acknowledged the commission’s efforts to improve electoral administration through technological innovations but stressed that public confidence remains the commission’s most valuable asset.
“Technology can support credibility, but credibility itself is built on trust,” he said. “Citizens must be convinced that electoral processes are transparent, predictable, and insulated from undue interference.”
He argued that electoral management should not merely be efficient but should also be seen to be fair, explaining that public perception often determines whether election outcomes are accepted peacefully.
Professor Adeniyi urged INEC to intensify voter education campaigns, improve communication with stakeholders, and continue strengthening mechanisms that enhance transparency throughout the electoral cycle.
On the role of security agencies, the Vice Chancellor emphasized that their primary responsibility during elections should be the protection of voters, electoral officials, journalists, and electoral materials rather than the protection of political interests.
He cautioned that the deployment of security personnel during elections must inspire confidence rather than fear.
“Security agencies must remain professional, impartial, and accountable,” he said. “The legitimacy of an election can be weakened when citizens perceive security institutions as favouring one political interest over another.”
He noted that election security extends beyond maintaining law and order on polling day and includes the prevention of violence, intimidation, vote buying, and attacks on electoral infrastructure.
Professor Adeniyi further observed that the relationship among the media, INEC, and security agencies should not be adversarial but collaborative.
According to him, each institution performs a distinct function, yet all share a common responsibility to preserve public trust in the democratic process.
“The media informs the people. INEC manages the process. Security agencies protect the environment in which democracy can flourish. When any of these pillars weakens, the entire democratic structure is threatened,” he said.
The communication scholar also expressed concern over declining public trust in institutions, describing confidence as the invisible foundation upon which democracy rests.
He urged stakeholders to focus on building a culture of electoral integrity rather than limiting discussions to election-day logistics.
“Election integrity is not a one-day event. It is a national culture. It is reflected in how political actors behave, how institutions perform their duties, and how citizens engage with democratic processes,” he said.
Professor Adeniyi concluded by calling on Nigerians to view the 2027 elections as a collective national responsibility.
He said the success of the elections would depend not only on politicians and government agencies but also on journalists, civil society organisations, security institutions, and ordinary citizens.
“If we want elections that command legitimacy, inspire confidence, and strengthen democracy, then every stakeholder must play their role faithfully. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the integrity we build today for the elections of tomorrow,” he said.
The annual lecture attracted political leaders, media practitioners, public affairs analysts, civil society actors, academics, and representatives of security agencies, who gathered to examine the challenges and opportunities surrounding preparations for the 2027 general elections.
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