INEC Chairman Urges Media to Combat Fake News Ahead of Crucial Governorship Elections

By Iyojo Ameh

In preparation for the upcoming governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called upon media professionals to play a pivotal role in countering the spread of fake news while upholding journalism’s ethical standards.

Prof. Yakubu, during a meeting with media executives, emphasized the significance of media integrity in the electoral process.

He clarified that while INEC encourages election reporting, it does not intend to impose restrictions on media coverage.

“I want to reiterate the significance of unwavering adherence to the principles of your noble profession.

We welcome comprehensive reporting on the elections. However, it is your collective responsibility to stand as a bulwark against the incursion of fake news into our democratic processes,” Prof. Yakubu stated, underlining INEC’s commitment to transparency and engagement with stakeholders.

Prof. Yakubu disclosed that nearly 94 media organizations, with 1,255 personnel, have received accreditation to cover the off-cycle elections in the three states. These organizations will soon receive information about collecting identity cards for their personnel.

The INEC Chairman highlighted the successful mock accreditation exercise conducted recently using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). This exercise confirmed the system’s reliability for voter authentication and result uploading to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), ensuring more efficient processes during the upcoming Governorship elections.

In addressing concerns regarding the safety of journalists, technical staff, and equipment during election activities, Prof. Yakubu assured that INEC would continue to work with security agencies to guarantee unobstructed access to polling and collation locations.

Prof. Yakubu underscored the importance of the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi to INEC’s overarching mission to ensure free and fair electoral processes.