INEC Hosts Workshop on Ethical Reporting and Safety for INEC Press Corps

By Iyojo Ameh

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has organized a two-day workshop with the aim of promoting ethical reporting and safety practices for members of the INEC Press Corps.

The event, held at Kini Country Guest Inn in Akwanga, Nasarawa State, from October 16th to 17th, 2023, addressed critical issues surrounding the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi, an Honorable National Commissioner and a Member of the Information & Voter Education Committee (IVEC), welcomed the workshop participants on behalf of INEC.

The event was sponsored by the Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) and proved to be timely, given the proximity of the off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for November 11, 2023.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi underscored the significance of responsible journalism in covering electoral processes, especially in Nigeria, where elections are often seen as high-stakes affairs. He stressed the need for maintaining professionalism, adhering to journalistic ethics, and upholding high reporting standards when covering these elections.

He said, Elections in Nigeria are marked by intense media scrutiny, as political parties fiercely compete for victory. Prof. Kunle Ajayi acknowledged the vital role of journalists in shaping public opinion and providing information to the public.

The INEC Commissioner expressed INEC’s gratitude for the media’s invaluable support in voter education and the dissemination of electoral information. He highlighted the enduring partnership between INEC and the media, particularly the INEC Press Corps, which comprises over 100 members from various media organizations regularly covering the Commission’s activities.

A prominent issue addressed during the workshop was the alarming proliferation of fake news, misinformation, and hate speech, which pose a significant threat to the integrity of elections. Prof. Kunle Ajayi referred to INEC’s experience during the 2023 General Elections, where fake news had adverse consequences on the election process. Disinformation has been employed to exploit religious, political, and tribal divisions, often resulting in electoral violence.

In response to this challenge, Prof. Kunle Ajayi called on the media to maintain objectivity and impartiality in their reporting, refraining from disseminating fake news and sensational content. He emphasized the importance of providing accurate, verified information from credible sources