Ekiti: INEC Enlists Media Against Fake News, Says Poll Critical to 2027 Credibility

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for a united front with journalists and media organizations to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. INEC emphasized the crucial role of factual, balanced, and responsible reporting in combating misinformation, fake election results, and inflammatory online content, which pose significant threats to peaceful and credible elections.

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The June 20 governorship election is not just about Ekiti State; it is a critical rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.

Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, highlighted the Ekiti governorship election as a pivotal rehearsal for the 2027 general elections. He noted that 13 political parties would contest across the state's 16 local government areas, 117 wards, and 2,445 polling units. Haruna assured stakeholders that INEC has finalized preparations, including sensitive material distribution, ad hoc personnel training, voter education, and security coordination.

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misinformation, fake election results and inflammatory online content remained major threats to peaceful and credible elections

To bolster transparency and public trust, INEC will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). However, Haruna expressed concern over the proliferation of disinformation and manipulated content, which can sow panic and destabilize democracy. He urged journalists to intensify fact-checking and verify sensitive election information directly with INEC before publication, citing past elections where misleading narratives fueled tension and distrust.

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The INEC commissioner, however, expressed concern over the growing spread of disinformation, manipulated content and fake election reports capable of creating panic and undermining democratic stability.

Furthermore, INEC addressed the persistent issue of low voter turnout, imploring the media to enhance voter education and civic enlightenment, particularly among youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, warned against manipulated videos and sensational headlines, urging political parties and candidates to eschew hate speech and inciting rhetoric. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State reaffirmed its commitment to ethical reporting during the election.

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misleading social media narratives and unverified reports had contributed to tension and distrust during previous elections, hence the need for journalists to intensify fact-checking and verify sensitive election information directly with INEC before publication.