By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE RESOURCE Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for stronger collaboration between the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) to safeguard electoral integrity and protect Nigeria’s shrinking civic space.
The Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, made the call on Wednesday at the opening of a two-day Media and CSO Workshop on the theme: “Strengthening Media and CSOs for Electoral Integrity and Civic Space Protection in Nigeria” in Kano State.
The workshop, held at CHRICED Legacy House, 211 Farawa, Maiduguri Road, Kano, is aimed at strengthening the capacity of journalists and civil society actors to respond to threats to Nigeria’s democratic institutions and civic space.
Zikirullahi said the country’s democracy was facing significant pressure from disinformation, political violence and attempts to weaken independent media and civil society.
“We are here because electoral integrity is under pressure. We are here because civic space is shrinking. We are here because disinformation is poisoning public trust. We are here because political violence continues to threaten the very soul of our democracy,” he said.
He, however, urged participants not to surrender to the challenges confronting the country, stressing that the workshop provided an opportunity for media professionals and CSOs to develop practical strategies for strengthening democracy.
“But we are also here because we refuse to give up,” he added.
The CHRICED executive director described the workshop as more than a training programme, saying it was a platform for participants to confront challenges within Nigeria’s electoral system and develop strategies to protect civic freedoms.
“This workshop is not just a training—it is a battleground of ideas, a rallying point for defenders of democracy, and a space where we sharpen our tools for the work ahead,” he said.
According to him, the two-day engagement would focus on protecting civic space, countering disinformation and promoting ethical and courageous journalism.
He stressed the importance of media-CSO collaboration in ensuring that citizens have access to credible information and are able to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
“Because when journalists and CSOs join forces, something powerful happens: Communities become informed. Citizens become empowered. Democracy becomes stronger. And those who thrive on impunity begin to tremble,” Zikirullahi said.
He urged journalists and civil society leaders participating in the workshop to remain committed to defending citizens’ rights and resisting attempts to intimidate or silence independent voices.
“You will not see spectators. You will not see passive observers. You will see fighters—journalists who refuse to be silenced, activists who refuse to be intimidated, and civil society leaders who refuse to surrender Nigeria’s civic space to fear, manipulation, or authoritarian impulses,” he said.
Zikirullahi also called on participants to use the workshop to build a shared commitment to electoral integrity, citizens’ participation and accountability.
He said Nigeria needed a democratic environment where “truth is louder than propaganda,” justice is stronger than fear, and citizens can participate freely regardless of their tribe, gender or social status.
The CHRICED executive director expressed appreciation to Misereor KZE, Germany, for its financial support for the workshop, describing the organisation as an ally in efforts to promote justice and democratic integrity in Nigeria.
He also commended the CHRICED Board of Directors, staff, resource persons and facilitators for their contributions to the organisation’s work and the successful hosting of the workshop.
The workshop is expected to bring together media professionals and civil society actors to examine challenges affecting electoral integrity and civic participation, while developing strategies to strengthen democratic accountability and protect civic freedoms in Nigeria.
Zikirullahi urged participants to leave the workshop with renewed determination to defend democracy and amplify citizens’ voices.
“Together, we rise. Together, we resist. Together, we protect Nigeria’s democratic future,” he said.
