Ekiti Guber: European Union Strengthens Voter Information Drive

Members of the European Union-funded Support to Democratic Governance Programme (EU-SDGN) have strengthened efforts to promote electoral integrity, improve voter information ecosystems, and reinforce public trust ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Ekiti State.

The Broadcast Audience Voter Opinion Lab, organised by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO) under the programme, brought together a diverse group of participants, including media professionals, market women, traders, students, and persons with disabilities.

The initiative is part of a sustained commitment to inclusive democratic participation.

The Lab provided a structured platform for citizens and stakeholders to examine how voters access information, identify misinformation trends, and co-develop practical, citizen-centred solutions to support credible electoral processes.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Director of CEMESO, Dr Akin Akingbulu, underscored the central role of information in shaping democratic outcomes, noting that credible elections depend on a well-informed electorate.

“A well-informed electorate is the foundation of credible elections. This Lab is designed to interrogate how voters access information, identify gaps, and strengthen the role of the media as a trusted conduit for electoral knowledge.

The recommendations emerging from this engagement will inform ongoing efforts to improve voter education and public communication,” he said.

To ensure inclusivity and effective participation, discussions were conducted in both English and Yoruba, enabling broader understanding and more meaningful contributions.

A key feature of the Lab was its focus on strengthening the media’s capacity to deliver accurate, timely, and trustworthy electoral information. Through guided sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on voter information mapping, misinformation trends, and barriers to participation.

On misinformation and voter confusion, participants called for more proactive and responsive communication, stressing that timely, verified, and simplified information is essential to counter false narratives and build voter confidence.

The Lab also generated practical recommendations to enhance civic and voter education, with a focus on making information more accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse groups.

Participants commended the initiative for its relevance and impact. A representative of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr Oyeni Sunday, noted that the session strengthened participants’ understanding of electoral processes and preparedness for upcoming elections.

“There are many things we ought to have known, especially regarding voter education before, during, and after elections. I commend the EU-SDGN for prioritising inclusion and creating this opportunity. The facilitators provided clear and practical insights, and we are now better informed,” he said.

Another representative of the association, Ibitoye Helen, described the engagement as timely, noting that it created space for underrepresented voices to be heard.

“This is exactly the kind of engagement needed at this critical moment. It reflects a genuine commitment to inclusion and has given us a platform to share our experiences and challenges,” she said.