The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has issued a caution to media organizations regarding the dissemination of fake news and misleading reports ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
During the first quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations in Abuja, Yakubu emphasized the importance of combating fake news in the digital age. He reiterated that INEC does not support censorship and believes that greater openness and transparency are the best antidotes to fake news.
With the Edo governorship poll scheduled for September 21, 2024, and the Ondo governorship poll set for November 16, 2024, Yakubu highlighted the need for accurate reporting and urged media organizations to engage with political parties and their aspirants during the primaries. He emphasized that party primaries are as crucial as the main elections conducted by INEC since only the products of these primaries appear on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for.
Yakubu commended the media’s partnership with INEC and encouraged them to continue reporting on electoral activities diligently and with depth. He underscored the importance of media engagement in strengthening democracy and ensuring credible elections.