The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasized the crucial role of the media in ensuring credible elections in Nigeria. At an engagement with journalists in Benin, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, highlighted the media’s responsibilities in shaping democracy and upholding electoral integrity.
Olumekun stressed the importance of factual information in combating misinformation and fake news, and appealed to the media to mobilize citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He also emphasized the need for journalists to understand the legal framework governing elections and adhere to the code of conduct for election coverage.
The Edo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Onuoha Anugbum, represented by the Administrative Secretary, Edo, Emmanuel Ogbodu, welcomed the forum as an opportunity to place stakeholders on the same level ahead of the September 21 governorship election in Edo.
The Edo Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Festus Alenkhe, commended INEC for the media engagement and urged journalists to maintain high standards in their reportage.
Key points:
- INEC emphasizes the crucial role of the media in ensuring credible elections.
- The media’s responsibilities include educating voters, facilitating informed choices, and ensuring transparency and accountability.
- INEC appeals to the media to mobilize citizens to collect their PVCs and combat misinformation and fake news.
- Journalists are urged to understand the legal framework governing elections and adhere to the code of conduct for election coverage.
- The engagement aims to ensure a peaceful and credible electoral process in the September 21 governorship election in Edo.
