The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to journalists and media outlets about the dangers of spreading false information and announcing results prematurely during the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election. The election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Speaking at a media stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, emphasized that inaccurate reporting, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified polling unit figures could seriously disrupt the peace of the election and undermine public trust in the democratic process. He spoke on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
Dr. Omoseyindemi highlighted that the commission is particularly worried about the rapid spread of electoral falsehoods on social media and unverified online platforms. He urged media executives to establish and activate fact-checking protocols and called on reporters to verify all information through official INEC channels before publishing or broadcasting.
The REC warned on-air personalities against amplifying unsubstantiated claims in their rush to break news. He stressed that sensational coverage could trigger panic, reduce voter turnout, and threaten peace. “The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; the media is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he said.
Dr. Omoseyindemi revealed that 64 media organizations have applied for accreditation to deploy about 560 journalists for the election. The accreditation portal will close automatically at midnight on June 7, 2026. He encouraged remaining media houses to submit their applications before the deadline.
He also detailed that the governorship election will cover all 16 local government areas, 117 registration areas or wards, and 2,445 polling units across Ekiti State. A total of 13 political parties are participating.
Furthermore, Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that INEC has substantially completed key preparatory activities, including publishing the final candidate list and handing over the final voter register to political parties. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal will be deployed to ensure transparency in voter accreditation and result management.
Non-sensitive election materials have been largely procured, while sensitive materials are in the final production stage. Recruitment and screening of ad hoc staff are done, and training will start shortly.
The commission also announced that Permanent Voter Card collection will begin at registration areas from June 4 to June 8 and continue at local government offices from June 9 to June 11, 2026.
Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, noted that the forum aims to strengthen collaboration between INEC and the media, providing accurate information on electoral procedures, technology, and the Electoral Act 2026.
In a goodwill message, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, 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. He warned journalists against sacrificing accuracy for speed, insisting that speed must never compromise accuracy.
Oketola disclosed that seven of the nine activities on the commission’s election timetable have been completed, and INEC is working toward the simultaneous opening of all 2,445 polling units by 8:30 a.m. on election day.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, confirmed that the union has introduced measures to combat fake news and improve accountability among online journalists in the state. He assured the commission of the union’s dedication to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.
Additionally, the forum included technical briefings from INEC’s ICT, Electoral Operations, and Legal Services departments on the deployment of BVAS, IReV, operational logistics, and the Electoral Act 2026.