Nigerian Press Groups Form Triple Alliance to Drive Gender Inclusion and Accountability in 2027 Elections

Abuja — A major collaborative effort has been launched by three Nigerian press organisations: the International Press Centre (IPC), the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), and the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

The three groups formalized a strategic alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja on Monday, May 30. The partnership is explicitly designed to promote gender-inclusive reporting and enhance accountability ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.

Arogundade Stresses Trust and Accountability

Lanre Arogundade, IPC Executive Director, highlighted the crucial goal of the collaboration: to strengthen inclusivity, accountability, and transparency in the entire electoral process.

Mr. Arogundade emphasised that media credibility is key to the nation’s democratic health:

“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, trust in the process is as important as the outcome.”

He asserted that the media has a dual mandate: to ensure impartial election coverage and to consistently hold public officials accountable for their campaign promises.

Commitment to Women’s Visibility

The leaders of the partner organisations stressed the focus on women and governance:

• Aisha Ibrahim, National Chairperson of NAWOJ, pledged the association’s commitment to amplifying women’s voices in politics. She argued that:“NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, observers, and commentators.” Ibrahim also called for training for female journalists and improved newsroom management to expand women’s participation in the media.
• Danlami Nmodu, GOCOP President, confirmed the guild’s commitment to advancing gender equality. He stated GOCOP would:
  • Engage, sensitise, and enlighten women on governance and elections.
  • Prioritise tracking campaign promises and manifesto implementation by elected officials to promote electoral trust.

Labour Commends Media’s Moral Role

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), was present to commend the IPC, GOCOP, and NAWOJ for their efforts to increase women’s visibility. He urged journalists to serve as a moral compass for society, particularly during electoral periods.

The IPC report and this three-way MoU are seen as substantial steps toward fostering more credible and inclusive elections in Nigeria.