Ekiti Guber Poll: INEC Cautions Media Against Premature Results Declaration

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned journalists, broadcasters and online publishers against spreading fake news, misinformation and unverified election results ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

The Commission warned that inaccurate reporting, manipulated videos and premature declaration of results could threaten the credibility of the poll and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

The warning was issued at the INEC Media Stakeholders’ Forum held in Ado-Ekiti for media executives, editors, reporters and on-air personalities ahead of the election.

Speaking at the forum on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the media as a vital partner in safeguarding democracy.

He expressed concern over the growing circulation of false election information on social media and other unverified online platforms.

“We call on media executives to establish and activate fact-checking protocols. We call on reporters to verify information from official INEC sources before broadcasting or publishing,” he said.

Omoseyindemi warned journalists and broadcasters against amplifying unverified claims in the race to break news, stressing that sensational reporting could create tension, discourage voter participation and disrupt the peaceful conduct of the election.

“The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; the media is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he added.

The REC disclosed that 64 media organisations had applied for accreditation to deploy about 560 journalists for election coverage across the state.

He said the accreditation portal would close automatically at midnight on June 7, urging organisations yet to register to complete the process before the deadline.

According to him, the election will be conducted across the 16 local government areas, 117 wards and 2,445 polling units in Ekiti State, with 13 political parties expected to participate in the contest.

Omoseyindemi said INEC had substantially concluded major preparatory activities for the election, including publication of the final list of candidates and presentation of the final voter register to political parties.

He also assured stakeholders that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) would be fully deployed to ensure transparency in accreditation and result management.

According to him, non-sensitive election materials had already been procured while sensitive materials were at the final production stage.

The REC further disclosed that recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff had been completed, with training expected to begin shortly.

He announced that collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would take place at registration areas from June 4 to June 8, while collection at local government offices would continue from June 9 to June 11.

Also speaking at the forum, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the engagement was organised to strengthen collaboration between the Commission and the media ahead of the governorship election.

She explained that the forum was designed to provide journalists with accurate information on election procedures, technology deployment and operational guidelines under the Electoral Act 2026.

In a goodwill message, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, described fake news and information manipulation as major threats to peaceful elections.

“The greatest threat to a peaceful election today is often not physical violence, but information pollution,” he said.

Oketola urged journalists not to sacrifice accuracy for speed in their reports.

“Speed must never sacrifice accuracy,” he added.

He disclosed that seven out of the nine activities listed on the Commission’s election timetable had already been completed, adding that INEC was working toward simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, assured the Commission of the union’s commitment to responsible journalism and ethical election coverage.

He said the NUJ had also introduced measures aimed at curbing fake news and improving accountability among online journalists in the state.

The one-day forum featured technical briefings by INEC officials from the ICT, Electoral Operations and Legal Services departments on election technology, logistics and provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.