By Crystal Ugoeze
GOCOP, IPC Sign MoU to Advance Gender-Inclusive Reporting in Democratic and Electoral Processes
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at advancing inclusive and gender-sensitive reporting within Nigeria’s democratic and electoral processes.
The agreement was signed on Monday, November 3, 2025, by GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, mni, and IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade. The signing followed a consultative session between IPC and GOCOP leadership held in Abuja on May 30.
In his remarks, Nmodu said the partnership reflects GOCOP’s commitment to promoting inclusiveness and gender equality in Nigeria’s political space. He noted that the collaboration between both organisations began under the leadership of GOCOP’s first female president, Maureen Chigbo, and assured that his administration would fully implement the MoU to enhance the visibility of women and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in politics and governance.
“We are committed to deepening the reportage of gender issues. We will engage, sensitise, and enlighten women on elections, governance, and national development. This partnership will help widen the scope of female participation across all spheres of society,” Nmodu stated.
He further stressed the need for trust in the electoral process, emphasising that elected officials must meet the expectations of the electorate. He added that GOCOP members will prioritise reporting on the fulfilment of campaign promises and the implementation of policy manifestos.
In his address, IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, said the MoUs signed with GOCOP and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) are designed to promote inclusivity, accountability, and transparency in Nigeria’s elections. He urged media organisations to strengthen impartial monitoring and reporting during elections, while also holding public officials accountable for their promises.
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, issues of electoral trust and stakeholder confidence have become critical. The integrity of an election depends not only on its results but also on the transparency of processes such as voter registration, vote collation, and result announcement,” Arogundade said.
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Bura Ibrahim, expressed the association’s readiness to amplify women’s participation in politics and governance. She called for continuous training of female journalists, improved newsroom leadership, and expanded media access for women.
“NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, observers, and commentators. Transparency in vote counting, result transmission, and dispute resolution is vital to public confidence,” she said.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, commended GOCOP, IPC, and NAWOJ for their collaborative effort to improve women’s visibility in media and politics. He urged journalists to remain the voice of the people and a moral compass for the nation, especially during elections.
Representing the Nigeria Police Force, SP Orvenonne Ikwen of the Force Public Relations Department assured that the police would continue to partner with the media to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
At the event, stakeholders also received IPC’s report titled “Safeguarding Electoral Integrity for Democratic Consolidation,” a component of the European Union’s Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.
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