Ekiti: INEC Calls on Media to Counter Fake News, Emphasizes Poll’s Importance for 2027 Credibility

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged journalists and media organisations to collaborate with it in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process through factual, balanced, and responsible reporting.

INEC warned that misinformation, fake election results, and inflammatory online content remain major threats to peaceful and credible elections, emphasizing that the media’s conduct during the Ekiti governorship poll will significantly influence public confidence in the 2027 general election.

Speaking at a Media Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ado‑Ekiti, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, described the Ekiti election as a strategic test case for Nigeria’s democracy.

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

He noted that 13 political parties will participate in the poll across the state’s 16 local government areas, 117 wards and 2,445 polling units.

Haruna disclosed that INEC has completed major preparations for the election, including distribution plans for sensitive materials, recruitment and training of ad hoc personnel, voter education campaigns, and security coordination through the Inter‑Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

He further assured stakeholders that the commission will deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency, credibility, and public trust in the electoral process.

The INEC commissioner also expressed concern over the growing spread of disinformation, manipulated content, and fake election reports that can create panic and undermine democratic stability.

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

Haruna also decried the persistent low voter turnout in the country and urged the media to deepen voter education and civic enlightenment, particularly among youths, women, and persons with disabilities.

In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, warned against the circulation of manipulated videos, sensational headlines, and false reports that could inflame the polity.

He appealed to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to avoid hate speech, inciting rhetoric, and actions that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, Kayode Babatuyi, reaffirmed the commitment of journalists in the state to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.

Babatuyi disclosed that the NUJ has established an online chapel aimed at regulating digital media practitioners and promoting accountability among online publishers in the state.