Help fight fake news before gov poll, Osun REC urges media

As the August 15 Osun State governorship election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is actively seeking the media's partnership to counter the growing threat of fake news. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, emphasized the media's vital role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

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As we move closer to this important date, the role of the media as a partner in voter education, information dissemination, and public enlightenment cannot be over-emphasized.

Speaking at a dialogue event organized by the EU-SDGN in collaboration with INEC headquarters, Babalola urged journalists to act as gatekeepers of truth. She stressed the importance of verifying information before dissemination and actively countering false narratives with factual reporting. In the digital age, she noted, disinformation, misinformation, fake results, doctored videos, and malicious propaganda pose significant risks, capable of undermining public confidence, inciting violence, and delegitimizing election outcomes.

INEC affirmed its commitment to providing timely, accurate, and verifiable information through its official channels. Babalola encouraged journalists to rely on these official platforms and collaborate closely with the commission to debunk fake news effectively. The dialogue also served as a platform to develop creative, culturally sensitive, and accessible voter education materials tailored to the residents of Osun State.

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One of the greatest threats to credible elections in this digital age is the spread of disinformation and misinformation.

Dr. Akin Akingbulu, Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, also addressed the media practitioners, reminding them of their core mandate to educate the public about their roles before and after the election. He highlighted the media's responsibility in monitoring campaign promises and public reception, as well as INEC's preparations, urging them to be proactive in their reporting.

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We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting.