The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded a two-day capacity-building programme for staff of the Voter Education and Publicity Department on strategic communication and misinformation monitoring.
The training, which held in Keffi, Nasarawa State, from January 21–22, 2026, was organised in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) as part of preparations ahead of future electoral activities.
Day Two of the training focused on practical and scenario-based learning designed to strengthen the capacity of INEC officers to respond effectively to emerging communication challenges. Participants were taken through real-life electoral scenarios, with emphasis on crisis communication management, rapid response strategies, and institutional coordination during sensitive electoral situations.
The Project Manager, IFES Nigeria, Mrs. Judith Toryem, alongside the Country Director, IFES Kenya, and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Nigeria, Mr. Obaje Ukeh, facilitated interactive sessions that examined how electoral management bodies can manage crises, counter misinformation, and maintain public trust during elections.
Key sessions on the second day included the development of communication templates, guidance on drafting holding statements during crises, and scenario-based group work on responding to viral electoral misinformation. Participants also engaged in discussions on institutional strategic communications and best practices for monitoring the media space in a fast-evolving digital environment.
The training provided a platform for experience-sharing, peer learning, and practical simulations aimed at enhancing the readiness of INEC’s communication officers to address misinformation proactively and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
The programme ended with a debriefing session and reflections on lessons learnt over the two days, with participants expressing appreciation to IFES for the initiative and reaffirming their commitment to applying the knowledge gained in the discharge of their duties.
Credit: INEC
