In preparation for the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, the Independent National Electoral Commission has urged the media to ensure fair and factual reporting.
Speaking during INEC’s quarterly consultative meeting with media executives in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu emphasized the importance of accurate reporting leading up to the September 21 Edo election and the November 16 Ondo election.
Yakubu reminded journalists of their responsibility to adhere to ethical standards in their coverage of elections, combating fake news and misinformation. He also stressed the need for compliance with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage and INEC’s guidelines for media accreditation.
Concerned about security in both states, Yakubu announced plans for INEC to collaborate with security agencies to ensure safety for all involved in the electoral process. This includes facilitating access for journalists to voting and collation sites.
With the Edo election just 51 days away, Yakubu provided updates on INEC’s readiness, noting repairs to infrastructure damaged by flooding and the deployment of additional voter accreditation technology. He also mentioned complying with a court order regarding candidate listings.