The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) and the International Press Centre (IPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote inclusive reporting of gender issues in Nigeria’s democratic and electoral process.
The signing took place on Monday in Abuja. GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, signed on behalf of the Guild, while IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, signed for the centre.
The event was witnessed by GOCOP Deputy President, Olumide Iyanda; Secretary-General, Sufuyan Ojeifo; and Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu. It followed an earlier consultative meeting between both organisations held in Abuja on May 30.
In his remarks, Mr Nmodu said the collaboration reflects GOCOP’s commitment to advancing inclusiveness and gender equality in Nigeria. He noted that the partnership with IPC began under the leadership of GOCOP’s first female president, Maureen Chigbo, and would now be fully implemented under the current executive.
According to him, the Guild will focus on improving the visibility of women and persons with disabilities in politics and governance.
“The leadership of GOCOP will spearhead the engagement of women, promote women’s voices and also focus on the sensitisation of female voters on politics, governance, accountability and transparency,” he said.
Nmodu added that for citizens to trust the electoral process, elected officials must meet the expectations of the electorate.
He also pledged that GOCOP members will give attention to tracking the implementation of the manifestos and campaign promises of elected leaders.
“We believe that the signing of this MoU is coming at the right time. The new executive is determined to ensure that this partnership between GOCOP and IPC works,” he said. “At GOCOP, we are committed to deepening the reportage of gender issues and widening the scope of female participation in all spheres of society.”
In his remarks, Mr Arogundade said the MoUs signed with GOCOP and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) aim to promote inclusivity, accountability and transparency in the electoral process. He urged both organisations to lead impartial election monitoring and ensure that public officials are held accountable.
“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, discussions regarding electoral trust and stakeholder confidence have become increasingly prominent,” Arogundade said. “The integrity of any election is determined not only by its final outcomes but also by the process that precedes them, including voter registration, vote collation and the announcement of results.”
NAWOJ National Chairperson, Aisha Bura Ibrahim, said her association remains committed to amplifying women’s participation in politics and governance.
“NAWOJ insists that inclusive elections are trusted elections. Women must be visible as voters, candidates, election observers, and commentators,” she said. “Transparency in vote counting, result transmission, and dispute resolution is essential for restoring public confidence.”
She also called for regular training of female journalists and improved newsroom practices to create more opportunities for women in the media.
Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, commended IPC, GOCOP, and NAWOJ for taking concrete steps to increase women’s visibility in the media. He urged journalists to remain on the side of the people and act as the nation’s moral compass, especially during election periods.
SP Orvenonne Ikwen, representing the Nigeria Police Force, pledged the force’s collaboration 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, produced under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme.
