Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media organisations to verify information before publication as part of efforts to curb fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State governorship election.
The appeal was made during the INEC Forum for media executives, producers, reporters, and on-air personalities held in Ado-Ekiti, as preparations intensify for the off-cycle poll.
Media’s Role in Electoral Integrity
In his welcome address, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the media as a critical partner in safeguarding democracy, stressing that credible elections depend heavily on accurate and professional reporting.
He disclosed that INEC has stepped up preparations through voter education, logistics planning for election materials, training of personnel, and collaboration with security agencies, political parties, civil society groups, and transport unions.
Concerns Over Fake News
Omoseyindemi raised concerns about the increasing spread of fake news, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified reports, warning that such content could undermine public trust and threaten electoral peace.
He urged journalists to rely on verified information from INEC, promote issue-based campaigns, and avoid sensational reporting capable of escalating tensions.
Ekiti Poll as Test Case for 2027
Also speaking, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu, described the Ekiti election as a major test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He noted that the poll will be conducted across 16 local government areas, 177 wards, and 2,445 polling units, with 13 political parties participating.
Kudu highlighted concerns over voter apathy, vote buying, political violence, and declining public confidence, calling on the media to intensify voter education in English, Yoruba, and local dialects.
He also emphasized the need for public awareness on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and compliance with the Electoral Act 2026, including rules on balanced coverage and election-day broadcast restrictions.
