The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on journalists and media organisations to strengthen collaboration with the commission in order to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process through factual, balanced and responsible reporting.
INEC warned that misinformation, fake election results and inflammatory online content remain major threats to peaceful and credible elections, stressing that media conduct during the Ekiti governorship election would play a crucial role in shaping public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a Media Stakeholders’ Forum in Ado-Ekiti, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, described the upcoming poll as a key test for Nigeria’s democratic process.
“The June 20 governorship election is not just about Ekiti State; it is a critical rehearsal for the 2027 general elections,” Haruna said.
He noted that 13 political parties would participate in the election across 16 local government areas, 117 wards and 2,445 polling units in the state.
Haruna disclosed that INEC had completed major preparations for the poll, including logistics for sensitive materials, recruitment and training of ad hoc staff, voter education programmes, and security coordination through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
He added that the commission would deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency, credibility and public trust in the process.
However, the INEC commissioner expressed concern over the increasing spread of disinformation, manipulated content and fake election reports, warning that such narratives could undermine democratic stability.
According to him, false social media reports and unverified claims have previously contributed to tension during elections, making it necessary for journalists to verify sensitive information directly from INEC before publication.
Haruna also raised concerns about low voter turnout in Nigeria and urged the media to intensify civic education, especially among young people, women and persons with disabilities.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ekiti State, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, cautioned against the circulation of edited videos, sensational headlines and false reports capable of inflaming political tensions.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to avoid hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric during the election period.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State, Kayode Babatuyi, reaffirmed journalists’ commitment to ethical reporting and responsible election coverage.
He said the union had created an online chapel to regulate digital media practitioners and promote accountability among online publishers in the state.
As preparations intensify, stakeholders say the credibility of the Ekiti governorship election will serve as an important indicator of Nigeria’s readiness for the 2027 general elections.
