The International Press Centre (IPC), in collaboration with the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), has trained 32 election observers ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
The training, aimed at strengthening credible electoral processes and enhancing civic participation in democratic governance, provided participants with practical knowledge and professional skills required for effective election observation and reporting.
Speaking at the opening session, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr Lanre Arogundade, said the initiative was designed to promote responsible engagement and improve the capacity of participants to independently monitor the electoral process in line with democratic standards.
He emphasised the need for professionalism, accuracy and strict adherence to ethical principles in election observation, urging participants to remain objective and avoid actions that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, noted that observers play a key role in promoting transparency and accountability during elections. He explained that the training would help participants understand observation methodologies and strengthen issue-based reporting.
He added that the initiative forms part of wider efforts to support peaceful, inclusive and credible elections through informed civic engagement and evidence-based observation of electoral activities across the state.
Participants were trained on election observation techniques, electoral laws and guidelines, conflict-sensitive approaches, misinformation management, documentation of incidents, and the use of observation tools for accurate data gathering.
At the end of the training, the participants expressed appreciation to IPC and CEMESO, pledging to apply the knowledge gained to support transparent observation and contribute to a peaceful and credible governorship election in Ekiti State.
