The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns about how fake news and misinformation are complicating Nigeria’s election process and eroding public trust in the system.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun, spoke about the commission’s ongoing battle against false information that disrupts INEC’s efforts to conduct fair and credible elections.
The event, a two-day workshop focused on “Contextualizing INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News and Disinformation,” brought together broadcast media anchors from across Nigeria.
This workshop aimed to educate media professionals on how their reporting can influence the electoral process, emphasizing the critical role of accurate information in maintaining a transparent election.
Yakubu stressed that INEC’s mission goes beyond organizing elections; it aims to improve the electoral system to meet public expectations.
He said: “INEC is tasked with a fundamental responsibility: to conduct free, fair, credible, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“Our mission is not just to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box, but also to continuously improve the electoral process to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the public.
“However, we are keenly aware that our efforts are increasingly challenged by the pervasive spread of fake news and disinformation, which distort facts, mislead the public, and can undermine electoral integrity.”
“The spread of false information poses a significant threat to our electoral process, often creating confusion, inciting unrest, or discrediting legitimate outcomes.
“Fake news and disinformation are not merely nuisance; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in the institutions.
“The media must go beyond mere information dissemination to serve as fact-checkers and educators. You are not just narrators of events but custodians of truth and fairness.
“You must verify information before publication, and cross-check facts from credible sources, especially during election periods when misinformation is rampant.
“You must debunk misinformation promptly and provide accurate counter-narratives to false claims to prevent them from gaining traction,” Yakubu said.
