The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has provided updates on its preparations for the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr Sam Olumekun, represented by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs Mary Nkem, gave the update during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
He emphasised the media’s importance not only as a conveyor of information but also as a key player in the democratic process, particularly during elections.
He, however, called for integrity in media reportage as the two off-cycle elections approach in a few weeks.
“Preparations have reached an advanced and critical stage due to the importance placed on the role of the media in elections,” he said.
“The commission has left no stone unturned. These efforts are to guarantee that this election will be conducted with the highest standards of integrity.
“We are intensifying our engagement with stakeholders at both the state and local government levels, while voter education is ongoing on all fronts.
“The training of security personnel has been completed, and the training of electoral officers will be finished in September 2024.
“The Commission is finalizing arrangements with the land and marine transport unions.
“The printing of voter registers for each of the 4,590 units in those states is virtually completed. The installation and deployment of election materials are also completed.
“On Tuesday, the 10th of September 2024, the Commission will meet with other stakeholders to monitor voter accreditation in selected areas in Edo State.
“On the 11th of September 2024, the Peace Accord will be signed by all stakeholders under the supervision of the National Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar. It’s a busy period for us, as you can see.
“Media accreditation opened on Monday, the 8th of July 2024, and closed just yesterday, the 24th of July at 12:30 PM.
“We will publish the list of organizations accredited for the election and share it on all our social media platforms.”
He also warned journalists against reporting fake news, emphasizing that misinformation could harm the electoral process, especially in the digital age.
“The Commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, part of which is being open and transparent in all areas, which the Commission has always done,” he said.
“We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you, the media.”
Additionally, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, offered recommendations to the media to help avoid the spread of fake news.
He reminded the media that their role is enshrined in the 1999 Constitution and stressed the importance of journalists understanding INEC’s election result management processes.
He urged the media to comply with the Nigerian media code of electoral coverage, emphasizing fairness and objectivity.
Oyekanmi advised the media to always cross-check facts and figures, noting that breaking news with falsehoods is futile.