Babatope Okeowo 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned journalists against falling into the prey of fake news before, during and after the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Sam Olumekun urged journalists to ensure factual and impartial reportage before, during, and after the poll.
Olumekun, who assured journalists of the state of their safety during the coverage of the election, however, cautioned them against spreading fake and unsubstantiated reports.
Represented by the state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, during a forum for reporters, producers, and on-air personalities, stated that the media is essential to democracy and that a democratic election is impossible without the media.
Olumekun urged journalists to exercise caution and be diligent in verifying any information before disseminating it, particularly when it pertains to the Commission’s activities and the electoral process.
His words “By upholding the highest standards of professionalism, you can play a key role in curbing the spread of fake news and ensuring that the public receives accurate and credible information.
“The media plays a pivotal role at every stage of the electoral process. In the lead-up to the election, we count on you to help educate the public on the importance of peaceful participation. Additionally, it is crucial that you offer balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates, ensuring that your reports remain objective and free from bias.
“During the election, your coverage must be both factual and responsible. While we encourage you to report incidents as they happen, this must be done in a manner that does not escalate tensions or incite violence. Your presence at polling units for coverage will also be crucial in assuring the public of the transparency and integrity of the process.
“After the election, we will rely on you to report the results and other developments with accuracy and integrity. As the election outcome will reflect the will of the people, your coverage should foster peace and encourage acceptance of the results by democratic principles.”
Speaking on security for journalists, Olumekun said “INEC, in collaboration with security agencies, has made adequate arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants in the election, including members of the media. Security personnel will be deployed to all polling units, collation centers, and other strategic locations across the state. The safety of the media and all electoral stakeholders is our top priority, and we are fully committed to delivering a peaceful and secure election.
“As we approach the election, I seek your continued cooperation in helping us conduct a credible election that meets the expectations of the people of Ondo State. We are dedicated to providing a level playing field for all candidates and ensuring that every vote counts. By working together, we can build public trust in the electoral process and strengthen democracy in both our state and our country.”
The Administrative Secretary of the electoral umpire, Mr. Biodun Amosun, said the workshop was designed to equip journalists with comprehensive information on the guidelines, processes, and procedures that will govern the upcoming election.
Amosun disclosed that INEC has put in place robust measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the election
He said, “We aim to guarantee a free, fair, transparent, and credible election, and your cooperation is essential to achieving this goal.
“As members of the media, you must be well-versed in these processes to ensure accurate reportage and avoid the spread of speculations, misinformation, and disinformation. As we all know, INEC’s electoral guidelines are established to ensure fairness and transparency.
“You must report these rules accurately to prevent confusion or misinformation. Whether covering the proper use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or detailing the steps involved in result collation, your reporting must correctly reflect these processes.”
