The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the media to uphold truth and integrity in their coverage of the electoral process. This is coming as the off-circle gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States draw closer.
During a media briefing on Friday in Abuja, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, represented by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), Mrs. Mary Nkem, emphasized the critical role the media plays in fostering a healthy democracy.
Olumekun highlighted the significance of media influence on public perception and voter decisions, particularly during elections, stating, “As the fourth estate of the realm, the media is not just a conveyor of information but also a vital player in the democratic process.”
With the Edo governorship election just 15 days away, INEC’s preparations have reached an advanced stage.
Olumekun stressed that informed and balanced media coverage is essential for public understanding of the Commission’s activities, ensuring the dissemination of accurate information.
“We rely on the media to provide the public with accurate, objective, and balanced coverage of INEC’s efforts,” he noted.
He also revealed that INEC has conducted engagements with journalists in Edo State as part of its ongoing preparations for the election.
To test-run the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will lead a team to monitor the mock accreditation of voters in selected polling units in Edo State on Tuesday, 10th September 2024.
This will be followed by a stakeholders’ meeting in Benin City on Wednesday, 11th September, which will involve the Inspector General of Police and other relevant stakeholders.
The signing of a peace accord by the candidates, under the supervision of the National Peace Committee chaired by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired), is scheduled for Thursday, 12th September.
Olumekun further announced that the training of security personnel has been concluded, and the training of ad-hoc staff, including presiding officers and assistant presiding officers, has begun.
Additionally, the logistics agreements with transport unions and the printing of voters’ registers for all 4,519 polling units in Edo State are near completion.
Regarding accreditation for observers, Olumekun disclosed that 892 personnel from 122 organizations have been accredited, with the printing of observer tags set to conclude by Monday, 9th September 2024.
Olumekun also appealed to the media to help combat the spread of false information, urging both the public and the press to verify any election-related news directly with INEC before dissemination. “Our doors are open for any inquiries, and we have established multiple channels through which the public can reach us for accurate information,” he said.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, also addressed the media during the event, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to transparent and timely communication.
“INEC is committed to ensuring the media has access to timely and credible information throughout the election process,” Oyekanmi said. He outlined strategies for effective media engagement, urging journalists to support democratic elections by ensuring accurate and transparent information dissemination.
As the Edo election approaches, INEC assured that all preparations are in place for a smooth process and called for continued media cooperation in ensuring the success of the electoral exercise.
