By Usman Usman Garba
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has conducted a two-day media and civil society organisations (CSOs) workshop aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and protecting civic space in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The workshop, held at the CHRICED Legacy House, 211 Farawa, Maiduguri Road, Kano State, focused on equipping journalists and CSOs with knowledge and practical strategies for credible election reporting and the promotion of democratic participation.
Speaking at the opening of the workshop, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the programme was organised to equip journalists and civil society actors with strategies to promote credible elections, protect civic space and strengthen democratic participation.
Zikirullahi said Nigeria’s democracy was facing several challenges, including disinformation, political violence and increasing pressure on civic space.
He stressed that the media and civil society organisations had important roles to play in addressing these challenges, urging journalists and CSOs to work together to promote accountability, amplify citizens’ voices and defend democratic values.
According to him, the workshop provided participants with an opportunity to examine challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral system and develop practical strategies for protecting civic space and promoting electoral integrity.
He added that participants would also discuss ways of countering disinformation, promoting ethical journalism and strengthening collaboration between the media and civil society.
The CHRICED Executive Director expressed appreciation to Misereor-KZE, Germany, for its financial support towards the organisation of the workshop, describing the organisation as an important partner in efforts to promote justice, accountability and democracy in Nigeria.
He also commended the CHRICED Board of Directors, staff, resource persons and facilitators for their contributions to the success of the programme.
Zikirullahi called on participants to make effective use of the knowledge and experience gained from the workshop to promote citizens’ participation and contribute to the protection of Nigeria’s democratic future.
During the two-day workshop, experts delivered lectures on electoral safety, credible election reporting and legal considerations in reporting elections.
Dr. Kamilu Sani Fagge of Bayero University, Kano, delivered a lecture titled “Understanding Electoral Integrity in Nigeria,” focusing on the principles of electoral integrity, gaps in Nigeria’s electoral processes and the roles of the media and CSOs
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Also, Prof. A.B. Ahmed of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, spoke on the “Legal and Institutional Framework for Electoral Integrity,” focusing on electoral law, civic rights, media freedoms and accountability mechanisms.
A panel discussion was also held, bringing together academics and representatives from the media and civil society organisations to discuss key issues surrounding electoral integrity. The session was moderated by Dr. Rukayyah Yusuf Aliyu.
Dr. Bala Muhammad also highlighted the importance of ethical journalism and issue-based political reporting, particularly in the coverage of elections.
The workshop concluded with group exercises focused on mapping electoral integrity challenges in Kano State and Nigeria, with participants developing ideas and strategies for addressing the identified challenges.