The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for increased collaboration with broadcast media to tackle the menace of fake news, disinformation, and misconceptions about the Commission and Nigeria’s electoral process. Speaking at a two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media professionals, Prof. Yakubu who was represented by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun, emphasized the critical role of media anchors in safeguarding electoral integrity.
INEC’s Broad Mandate
Prof. Yakubu highlighted INEC’s responsibilities, which include:
- Voter registration
- Regulation of political parties
- Conduct of elections
- Voter education
- Ensuring electoral integrity
Despite adopting technology to enhance transparency and boost voter confidence, INEC faces logistical challenges, security concerns, and the spread of fake news. “Organizing elections in a vast and diverse nation like Nigeria presents enormous logistical challenges,” Prof. Yakubu stated.
Combating Fake News
Prof. Yakubu expressed concern over the pervasive threat of fake news and disinformation, describing them as deliberate attempts to mislead the public and erode trust in democratic institutions. “Fake news and disinformation are not merely nuisances; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in institutions.”
Media’s Role
The INEC Chairman stressed the need for the media to:
- Verify information before publication
- Promptly debunk misinformation
- Educate the public on the electoral process
- Recognize the power of their platforms and the ethical responsibility that comes with it
Workshop Objectives
The workshop aims to:
- Empower media professionals with accurate information and deeper insights into INEC’s work
- Present eight papers on various topics
- Host interactive sessions for participants to ask questions and share recommendations
In a goodwill message, Rudolf Elbling, Team Leader at DAI, commended INEC for organizing the innovative workshop, emphasizing the importance of professionalism in reportage to calm the polity.
By fostering stronger collaboration between INEC and the media, the workshop seeks to combat misinformation and bolster public trust in the electoral system. Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people, calling for continued media support in upholding democratic values. “Together, we can counter the dangers of fake news and disinformation and build a resilient electoral system that Nigerians can trust.
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