INEC urges media to verify reports ahead of Ekiti governorship election

Politics

ADO‑EKITI (NPA) — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with media professionals to combat fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State Governorship Election.

The appeal was made during the INEC Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters, and on‑Air Personalities held in Ado‑Ekiti as part of preparations for the off‑cycle poll.

In his address, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, described the media as a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy. He emphasised that the success of any election depends on accurate, balanced, and professional reportage, noting that INEC has intensified preparations through voter education, deployment planning, training of personnel, and coordination with security agencies, political parties, civil society groups, and transport unions to ensure a peaceful and transparent process.

Omoseyindemi warned against the spread of fake news, manipulated videos, and misleading headlines, stressing that such content could undermine public trust and threaten electoral peace. He urged journalists to verify election‑related information with INEC, amplify official voter education messages, and avoid sensational or inflammatory reporting.

Speaking at the forum, Mallam Mohammed Kudu, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), described the Ekiti election as a major political test ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said voting will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties participating.

Kudu highlighted concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, and declining public confidence, urging media houses to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and local dialects—especially on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). He reminded journalists of the Electoral Act 2026 provisions on balanced coverage, election‑day broadcast restrictions, and penalties for electoral offences.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and professionalism, calling on the media to play its part in ensuring credible elections in Ekiti State.