INEC cautions journalists on fake news, comply with Media Code

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged journalists to shun fake news and comply with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage as the country prepares for the upcoming Edo and Ondo State governorship elections.

Speaking at the third regular quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, said: “It is my pleasure to welcome you all to our third regular quarterly consultative meeting for this year. You may recall that our first meeting for the year was held on Thursday 21st March 2024 while the second took place two months ago on Wednesday 15th May 2024.

You may also recall that the last meeting focused mainly on the forthcoming Edo State and Ondo State Governorship elections. Today, we will furthermore update you on the bye-elections that occurred since our last meeting.”

Yakubu also gave an update on the preparations for the Edo State Governorship election, said, “It is now 51 days to the Edo State Governorship election coming up on Saturday 21st September 2024. Our preparations are going on in earnest.

I am glad to report that we have recovered from the torrential rainfall that resulted in the severe flooding of our State Headquarters in Benin City two months ago. The damage to the physical infrastructure as well as movable and immovable facilities are being fixed or replaced. We have delivered additional Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to Edo State for the training of election duty personnel as well as contingency for Election Day support.”

On the issue of fake news, Yakubu warned: “At the same time, I wish to remind you of your obligation as journalists to report factually and accurately about the election and electoral activities in compliance with the ethics of your noble profession. You should continue to be a bulwark against fake news, misinformation, and disinformation. I urge you to fully comply with the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage. Similarly, you are required to comply with the INEC guidelines for media accreditation available on our website.

Yakubu also announced that the Commission will soon announce the dates for the forthcoming bye-elections in four states, involving three state constituencies and one federal constituency.

“Since then, two more vacancies have been declared by the Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives following the death of the members representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State and the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency of Kaduna State.

The Commission will soon announce the dates for the bye-elections.”