Janet Samuel, Abuja
Ahead of the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State slated for September 21, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged Nigeria media to uphold truth, fair reportage and abide by the code of election coverage in Nigera.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun, who made the appeal while briefing the press on friday in Abuja said the Commission is aware of the dangers posed by fake and misleading news, especially during an election period.
Represented by the Director, Voter Education and Publicity, Mary Nkem, the Commissioner emphasized that such information has the potential to disrupt the electoral process, undermine public confidence, and incite unnecessary tensions.
Olumekun noted that, measures have been put in place to minimize circulation of false information, urging the media to remain a defensive wall against fake and misleading information concerning the Commission and the electoral process.
“As we approach this important election, remember that democracy thrives when the electorate are well-informed, the truth is upheld, and all stakeholders—from the voters to the media—act with integrity and responsibility”.
She said the Commission is counting on cooperation of the media to conduct a smooth Governorship Election in Edo Edo State.
In a presentation on the Roles of the Media and INEC Social Media Platforms in Democratic Election, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, emphasized INEC’s dedication to ensuring clear, transparent and timely communication with the public through the various media platforms.
He called on the media to be objective in their reporting, as important stakeholder in the electoral process while Upholding the ethics of the profession and to also help in Countering Misinformation and Disinformation.
