The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media professionals to verify election-related information before publication as part of efforts to combat fake news, misinformation, and hate speech ahead of the June 20, 2026 Ekiti State Governorship Election.
The call was made during the INEC Forum for Media Executives, Producers, Reporters, and On-Air Personalities held in Ado-Ekiti.
Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, described the media as a critical partner in protecting democracy, stressing that credible elections depend largely on accurate, balanced, and professional reporting.
He warned against the spread of fake news, manipulated videos, misleading headlines, and unverified reports capable of causing panic and undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC also disclosed that preparations for the election have been intensified through voter education, logistics planning, personnel training, and stakeholder engagements.
Meanwhile, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Kudu, described the Ekiti governorship poll as an important test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged media organisations to deepen voter education on the use of BVAS, IReV, and other voting procedures while promoting peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
