The International Press Centre, IPC, has announced the deployment of a WhatsApp-enabled artificial intelligence incident reporting system to monitor, document and facilitate responses to attacks against journalists covering Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.
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IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, disclosed the initiative during a press conference in Osogbo on Friday, saying the system, known as WAFLO, would be deployed as a pilot during the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.
According to Arogundade, the technology is designed to enable real-time reporting, verification, documentation and monitoring of incidents affecting journalists and press freedom during the election.
He said the platform would cover incidents including assaults, threats, intimidation and other infringements on the rights and freedom of journalists carrying out their professional duties.
“The fundamental goal of WAFLO is to ensure that incidents affecting journalists do not go unnoticed or unreported,” Arogundade said.
He explained that journalists would be able to report safety concerns as they occur, giving relevant stakeholders access to information required to respond promptly to threats, assaults and other incidents.
Arogundade said the system would be upgraded and expanded after the Osun pilot for full deployment during the 2027 general elections.
He said the initiative forms part of Component 4: Support to Media of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase Two, EU-SDGNII, Programme, implemented by the IPC and the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO.
According to him, the programme is being implemented in collaboration with stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, as part of efforts to develop a broader framework for journalists’ safety during elections.
“WAFLO therefore hopes to complement and reinforce existing EU-SDGNII Component 4 initiatives including the hub’s safety of journalists desk,” he said.
The IPC urged journalists covering the election to access the reporting channel through the SafeMedia WhatsApp prompt or by sending the word “safemedia” by text message to 0805 877 8053.
Arogundade also encouraged journalists to use designated safety hotlines and comply with recommendations contained in the IPC Safety Advisory.
He advised journalists deployed for election coverage to remain properly accredited and carry their identification cards, press or media tags and other relevant credentials at all times.
According to him, proper identification would help reduce unnecessary questioning, identity checks and possible obstruction by security personnel.
The IPC Executive Director also urged security agencies, political actors, election stakeholders and other authorities to respect the rights of journalists during the exercise.
“We call on the security agencies, political actors, election stakeholders and other relevant authorities to respect the rights of journalists to perform their constitutional and professional responsibilities without intimidation, harassment or undue interference,” he said.
The IPC further acknowledged the leadership of the Osun State Council of the NUJ for supporting the technology-driven initiative aimed at documenting and responding to attacks against journalists.
The deployment comes amid continuing concerns over the safety of journalists during elections, particularly incidents involving intimidation, obstruction, threats and physical attacks while carrying out legitimate professional duties.
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