The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for stronger collaboration with media professionals to curb 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 governorship poll.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, said the media remains a key partner in safeguarding democracy through accurate and responsible reporting.
He stressed that the success of any election depends on balanced, factual, and professional coverage by journalists and media organisations.
Omoseyindemi, however, raised concerns over the rising spread of fake news, manipulated videos, and unverified election reports, warning that such content could undermine public trust and threaten electoral peace.
He urged media practitioners to verify all election-related information with INEC before publication and to prioritise official voter education messages.
According to him, sensational or misleading reports have the potential to create panic and destabilise the electoral environment.
The INEC official also outlined ongoing preparations for the election, including voter education, deployment planning, training of election personnel, and engagement with security agencies and stakeholders.
National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mallam Mohammed Kudu, described the Ekiti election as a key political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the poll will take place across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties participating.
Kudu also highlighted challenges such as voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, and misinformation, urging the media to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and local dialects.
He called for greater public awareness on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
INEC officials also reminded journalists of the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 regarding balanced coverage, election-day broadcast restrictions, and penalties for electoral offences.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible election while assuring journalists of continuous access to official information throughout the electoral process.
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