By Dada Ahmed.
The National Association of Political Correspondents (NAPOC), a body of veteran political journalists, is set to hold its inaugural Annual NAPOC Lecture Series (NALS) on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Abuja.
The event will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre from 10 a.m. and is expected to draw political stakeholders, academics, and media professionals from across the country.
With the theme, “The Legacy of Option A-4 and June 12 Election”, the lecture seeks to rekindle public discourse around the landmark 1993 presidential election.
The election, conducted using the Option A-4 voting system,a modified open ballot process,remains globally acknowledged as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history despite its eventual annulment.
In a statement signed by Deba Uwadiae, in Abuja and a copy available to The Reporters on Thursday, the Chairman of the NAPOC Coordinating Committee, the association explained that the NALS platform was designed to be a yearly gathering of thought leaders and practitioners committed to improving Nigeria’s democratic culture and political journalism.
“NALS is conceived to serve as a strategic platform for the exchange of productive ideas on how to advance our political culture and entrench good governance in the polity,” he said.
The event will be chaired by Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, former Governor of Imo State, while the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, is slated to attend as Special Guest of Honour. Both are key political figures who played significant roles in shaping Nigeria’s democratic transition and media landscape.
A major highlight of the lecture series will be presentations by distinguished scholars and political analysts.
Guest speakers include Prof. Tonnie Iredia, Chancellor of Tonnie Iredia University and former Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and Prof. Jideofor Adibe of the Department of Political Science, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Their presentations are expected to dissect the technical, political, and historical significance of Option A-4.
Discussants for the lecture are equally eminent personalities: Mr. Labaran Maku, former Minister of Information and one-time Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State; Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Registrar of Baze University, Abuja; and Dr. Emeka Nwosu, a political analyst and consultant with the ECOWAS Parliament. Dr. Nwosu also serves as Chairman of NAPOC’s Board of Trustees.
Our correspondent recalls that NAPOC was formed in 1988 by political correspondents covering the activities of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC) at Onikan, Lagos.
The association emerged at a critical point during General Ibrahim Babangida’s military transition programme, as Nigeria sought to navigate a return to civilian rule.
With a mission to enhance political journalism through ethical practice and accurate reportage, NAPOC has contributed to shaping public understanding of political processes and governance issues.
Its return to public discourse through NALS signals a renewed commitment to professional excellence and national development.
The June 11 event offers a vital opportunity for stakeholders to examine past electoral successes and failures in order to chart a better democratic future.
With Nigeria’s current political challenges, the legacy of Option A-4 and the spirit of June 12 remain powerful reference points for deepening transparency and public trust in electoral systems.
