The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with the media to tackle fake news, misinformation and promote transparency ahead of the June 20 Ekiti governorship election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Malam Mohammed Haruna, made the call on Tuesday during a forum for media executives, producers, reporters and on-air personalities in Ado-Ekiti.
Haruna was represented by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi.
He described the media as indispensable in promoting public understanding and strengthening democratic partnership.
According to him, media professionals are not only purveyors of news but also mobilisers of political participation, reaching remote communities, cities and villages.
Haruna specifically urged media personnel to be professional in educating voters on electoral processes, including verification of polling units, accreditation procedures and voters’ rights.
“Many rural communities and persons with disabilities remain informationally excluded.
“We urge you to dedicate programme segments and columns to explaining the voting process in clear and accessible languages,” he said.
Haruna described misinformation as one of the greatest threats to the credibility of elections, particularly in the digital age.
According to him, unverified online results have, in the past, incited violence and undermined public confidence before official results were announced.
“We call on media executives to establish and activate fact-sharing protocols.
“We also urge reporters to verify information from our networks before broadcasting or publishing,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Omoseyindemi said the media remained a major pillar in the electoral process.
“The role you play in informing, educating and guiding public opinion cannot be overemphasised.
“The success of any election depends greatly on the quality, accuracy and professionalism of information made available to the electorate,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in the state, Kayode Babatuyi, pledged the readiness of media practitioners to work closely with INEC to ensure a violence-free, fair and transparent governorship election in the state
