In a significant leap towards modernization and inclusivity, the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) successfully conducted its Council elections electronically, marking a milestone in the Institute’s history. The e-election, which took place over a secured digital platform, was praised by members and observers for its transparency, efficiency, and wide reach.
For the first time, eligible NIPR members were able to vote remotely, signaling the Institute’s commitment to democratic values and digital innovation. The election, held on Thursday,May 22, 2025, at Ceedapeg hotel’s auditorium in Uyo Akwaibom State, during the Nigerian Public Relations Week (NPRW) ushered in a new Council that is expected to shape the future of public relations practice in Nigeria.
The electronic voting process was powered by a user-friendly portal designed to ensure accessibility and security. From voter authentication to ballot casting and result collation, the system was transparent and tamper-proof.
According to the Electoral Committee Chairperson, Prof . Uche Mbanaso,(a cyber security except) the digital platform was audited by an independent IT firm to guarantee fairness.
“This is a new dawn for the NIPR. We have demonstrated that professional bodies in Nigeria can embrace technology without compromising integrity,” Prof Mbanaso said.
The road to the e-election began in late 2024, when the Institute’s leadership resolved to leverage technology to address long-standing concerns over voter turnout, representation, and logistics.
The decision was widely applauded by members, many of whom had previously found it difficult to participate in physical elections due to distance, long hours of manual voting or professional commitments.
“I was able to vote from my hotel room seemlessly in Uyo without having to be physically present in the auditorium” said Mrs Rhoda Dandaura a PR professional. “It made me feel more involved in the Institute’s affairs.” Another voter, Mr Osondu, a fellow of Institute commended the process and applauded the committee for their commitment and transparency through the whole process. “It is a step worthy of emulation as this has eased the stress of physical voting”.
In total, 738 certified members were accredited while 518 participated in the electronic voting exercise.
Voting commenced by 1:00 pm and ended by 4:00 pm, results were collated, analyzed and released by 4:00pm, with a detailed report released shortly after voting closed.
Major challenge was the inability of some voters to effectively use their smart phone to vote due to the epileptic internet accessibility. Inspite of this, the election was conducted as scheduled.
The newly elected Council, comprising experienced practitioners , reflects the Institute’s growing diversity and ambition.
Nominations into the two Key positions of the President and Vice President , were made at the council conclave immediately after the announcement of winners, with voice votes re electing Dr Ike Neliaku and Prof Emmanuel Dandaura as President/Chairman of Governing Council and Vice President/Vice Chairman of Governing Council indicating a renewed interest in governance among members.
A former President of the Institute Mallam Mukhtar Sirajo, commended the Electoral Committee and the IT support team for what he described as a “seamless, credible, and historic exercise.”
He expressed confidence that the new Council would consolidate the gains made during the last dispensation.
Public Relations experts across the country have hailed the success of the electronic elections as a model for other professional associations.
Many believe that NIPR’s bold step could inspire similar innovations across other institutions seeking to deepen engagement and accountability.
As the dust settles, attention now turns to the newly elected Council and the expectations ahead.
With a strong mandate from a broad base of members, the incoming leadership is expected to champion professionalism, ethics, and inclusivity hallmarks of the NIPR vision.
Indeed, the 2025 e-election is not just about who won or lost—it is about how the process has redefined participation and trust in the system.
For the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, it is not just a transition of leadership, but a triumph of technology, transparency, and transformation.
LIST OF COUNCIL MEMBERS:
1. DR IKE NELIAKU (518)
2. PROF EMMANUEL DANDAURA (468)
3. ESSIEN INI EMEMOBONG (452)
4. NWANKWO COMFORT OBOT(442)
5. SAJOH AHMED IBRAHIM (440)
6. BADEJO OLUBUNMI (439)
7. NSIRIM PAULINUS (437)
8. OLAJIDE OLUSEGUN MC MEDAL(432)
9. ABDULBAQI SAUDAT SALAH (424)
10. UKA OGOEGBUNEM PATRICK (422)
11. ADARAMOLA TEMITOPE(420)
12. AGBEJULE AKINOLA ADEDOTUN(417)
13. KOBI KABIR ALI(416)
14. CHEDI BASHIR ADAMS (413)
15. LWAHAS SARAH BENJAMIN (413)
16. PROF OMENUGHA KATE AZUKA (411)
17. DR WALE OYEKANMI(384)
