The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media practitioners in Osun State to support efforts aimed at curbing the spread of fake news ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The appeal was made on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, during the “Journalists-INEC Voter Education and Publicity Dialogue on the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election.”
The programme was organised by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria initiative in collaboration with INEC as part of preparations for the forthcoming governorship poll.
Addressing journalists and media stakeholders, Babalola underscored the critical role of the media in preserving the integrity of the electoral process through accurate, balanced and responsible reporting.
She described the media as an indispensable partner in voter education, information dissemination and public enlightenment, especially as the election draws closer.
According to her, misinformation and disinformation remain major threats to credible elections in the digital age, warning that fake results, manipulated videos and misleading narratives could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“As we move closer to this important date, the role of the media as a partner in voter education, information dissemination, and public enlightenment cannot be over-emphasised,” Babalola said.
“One of the greatest threats to credible elections in this digital age is the spread of disinformation and misinformation. False narratives, fake results, doctored videos, and malicious propaganda have the capacity to undermine public confidence in the electoral process, incite violence, and delegitimise outcomes.”
The REC urged journalists to verify information before publication and actively counter falsehoods with factual and professional reporting.
“We must therefore work together to build a robust defence against these threats. The media must serve as gatekeepers of truth, verifying information before dissemination and countering falsehoods with factual reporting,” she stated.
Babalola also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to providing timely, accurate and verifiable information through its official communication channels, urging journalists to rely on such platforms and collaborate with the commission in addressing misleading reports.
She noted that the dialogue provided an avenue for INEC and media organisations to develop innovative, culturally sensitive and accessible voter education strategies capable of reaching residents in languages and formats they can easily understand.
Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society, Dr Akin Akingbulu, charged journalists to continue educating citizens on their roles before, during and after the election.
He also urged the media to scrutinise campaign promises and monitor INEC’s preparedness for the governorship election.
Akingbulu said journalists must not remain passive observers in the democratic process.
“Media practitioners must reflect, interrogate and rank. And your perspectives will reach further than you may expect,” he said.
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