By Milcah Tanimu

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged media organizations to remain vigilant against fake news and misleading reports as the Edo and Ondo governorship elections draw near.

Yakubu issued this caution during the inaugural quarterly consultative meeting with media entities in Abuja on Thursday.

Scheduled for September 21, 2024, the Edo governorship poll and the November 16, 2024, Ondo governorship poll are fast approaching, with only ten parties having uploaded their candidates’ particulars on the INEC portal, leaving a mere three days until the Edo deadline.

Seventeen out of nineteen parties have expressed interest in participating in the Ondo governorship election.

Emphasizing INEC’s stance on transparency, Yakubu reiterated that the commission does not endorse censorship, believing instead that openness and transparency serve as effective countermeasures against fake news.

“In today’s age of information technology, the rapid spread of fake news and misinformation on a global scale is a significant challenge. INEC stands firm in its commitment to openness and transparency,” Yakubu remarked.

He further underscored the importance of media engagement with political parties and their aspirants, urging comprehensive coverage of party primaries akin to that of the main elections conducted by INEC.

“Coverage of party primaries is instrumental in strengthening our democracy, as the candidates emerging from these primaries ultimately appear on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for in the main election,” Yakubu asserted.

Responding to Yakubu’s call, Chris Isiguzo, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, emphasized the critical role of free, fair, and credible elections in advancing democratic governance.

Isiguzo urged the media to uphold the principles of democracy, accountability, and civic responsibility, ensuring that the forthcoming elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as future ones, maintain the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency.