The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has intensified efforts to strengthen its partnership with the media ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, led a delegation of the commission’s management staff on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Ondo State Printing and Publishing Corporation (OSPPC), Mr. Kayode Fasua, at the corporation’s headquarters.

The delegation included the Administrative Secretary of INEC in Ondo State, Mrs. Victoria Adelusi, and other management staff of the commission.

Speaking during the visit, Agboke appreciated the OSPPC management for its consistent support and sustained coverage of the commission’s activities, particularly its role in disseminating electoral information to residents of the state.

The REC also expressed admiration for The Hope newspaper, describing himself as an ardent reader of the publication.

He commended the corporation for maintaining a correspondent dedicated to covering INEC activities in Akure, stressing that effective information dissemination was essential to electoral transparency, public awareness and inclusive participation.

Agboke consequently sought the corporation’s continued collaboration in promoting credible electoral information, voter education and public enlightenment across the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

In his response, Fasua expressed delight at the visit, commending the REC and his team for taking the initiative to strengthen their relationship with the state-owned media organisation.

Recalling his first impression of Agboke following his redeployment to Ondo State, the OSPPC chairman said an interview granted by the REC shortly after his arrival convinced him that INEC had a leader capable of making meaningful contributions to the electoral process.

Fasua, however, charged the REC and his team to remain impartial, transparent and committed to their responsibilities as electoral umpires, emphasising that public confidence in the electoral process was essential to democratic stability.

He cited the history of electoral violence in Ondo State, particularly the crisis of 1983, as a reminder of the consequences of eroding public trust in electoral institutions.

The OSPPC chairman assured the commission of the corporation’s continued support and collaboration, particularly in promoting credible information and peaceful participation as the state and the country prepare for the 2027 general elections.

As part of the visit, Fasua presented Agboke with a copy of Owena newspaper, a publication associated with the corporation’s earlier history before its evolution into The Hope newspaper and The Hope Online platform.