INEC to deploy over 700 journalists, technicians for Ondo governorship election

INEC to deploy over 700 journalists, technicians for Ondo governorship election

•As NUJ Chairman calls for maximum protection of newsmen 

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

In anticipation of the upcoming Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the accreditation of 112 media organizations, deploying over 700 journalists and technicians to ensure comprehensive coverage of the electoral process.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at the fourth quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations held on Friday, in Abuja.

Prof. Yakubu, expressed gratitude for the media’s sustained partnership in fostering democracy and enhancing voter education. 

He noted that the detailed breakdown of the accredited media personnel for the exercise will be uploaded to the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

“As you are aware, the portal for media accreditation for the Ondo State Governorship election shut down at midnight yesterday. The Commission is glad to announce the accreditation of 112 national and international media organisations (newspaper, radio, television and online) deploying over 700 journalists, technicians and other personnel to facilitate their coverage of the election. 

“The detailed breakdown of the media organisations and the number of personnel to be deployed will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.

Highlighting the preparations for the election, Yakubu revealed that a significant 64,273 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) were collected out of the 89,777 cards delivered to the state, achieving an impressive collection rate of 71.6%. 

“I would like to appreciate the media for your support in voter mobilization for the exercise,” he noted, adding that detailed figures on PVC collection for the 3,933 polling units will soon be available on INEC’s website.

Yakubu also emphasized improvements made in various areas since previous elections, including voter accreditation processes and result uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

 “We have learnt lessons from previous elections. As we approach the Ondo State governorship election, there will be further improvements, especially in logistics for the movement of personnel and materials,” he remarked.

The chairman detailed plans for a mock accreditation and results upload to the IReV scheduled for November 6, 2024, and confirmed ongoing preparations involving final assessments with stakeholders and security agencies. 

“On this note, I am also glad to inform you that the National Peace Committee is holding the signing of the Peace Accord for parties and candidates in Ondo State on November 8, 2024,” he shared.

In light of the ongoing electoral campaigns, Yakubu called upon the media to enhance accurate reporting to promote peaceful elections while counteracting misinformation. 

“I appeal to you to continue to serve as a counterforce against fake news, misinformation, and disinformation,” he urged, acknowledging no significant reports of election-related violence so far, although cautioning about identified flashpoints.

Also speaking at the meeting, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, noted the critical need for journalist safety during elections, especially around the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. 

Isiguzo implored security agencies to guarantee the protection of media personnel amid heightened risks. “Clampdowns, intimidation, and harassment must have no place in a democratic society,” he asserted.

He commended INEC for its openness and communication with the media, noting, “Despite reservations following the Edo State election, INEC’s transparency and open engagement with the media remain noteworthy, and we hope to see this spirit upheld in Ondo and beyond.”