As INEC prepares for the conduct of governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof Mahmood Yakubu has said the commission holds regular consultative meetings with a view to remain open and transparent in the conduct of its activities.
According to Prof Yakubu, who was speaking at a consultative meeting with the media in Abuja on Tuesday, a very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale.
Stressing that the commission did not believe in censorship, the INEC boss added that the best antidote to fake news was greater openness and transparency.
While, however, appreciating and commending the media for their partnership with INEC, Yakubu assured that the commission would continue to work closely with the media.
He urged the media to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities, stressing that the commission welcomed media reports, commentaries and analyses on elections, in particular, and electoral activities in general.
He said, “A very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale. As I said on many occasions, INEC does not believe in censorship.
“The best antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency. It is in furtherance of this policy that the Commission interfaces regularly with stakeholders through our regular consultative meetings.
“We appreciate our partnership with the media and I want to reassure you that INEC will continue to work closely with you. We welcome your reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general.
“More specifically, some of the innovations introduced by the Commission to improve service delivery to the electorate, ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities draw from your reports as well as the suggestions and recommendations made during our quarterly meetings. I urge you to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities.”
On the Edo governorship polls, the INEC boss disclosed that as at Thursday morning, 10 parties had uploaded their candidates particulars to the INEC portal hoping that the other eight parties participating in the election would do so before the March 24 deadline.
He said 17 out of 19 political parties which have indicated interest in the election would commence their primaries in two weeks time, urging the media “to engage with political parties as well as their aspirants and report on the primaries with the same diligence and depth you report on the main election conducted by INEC.
According to him, “doing so will go a long way to strengthen our democracy since only the products of the party primaries are ultimately placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for in the main election. Party primaries are as important as the main election conducted by INEC.”
President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Chris Isiguzo, said “the conduct of credible elections not only upholds the principles of democracy but also fosters national unity, stability, and progress.
Comrade Isiguzo added that “It reinforces the legitimacy of our democratic institutions and reaffirms the people’s trust in the electoral process.
“Therefore, the responsibility entrusted to INEC to conduct elections with integrity and impartiality cannot be overstated.”
He urged the commission and the media to carry forward the spirit of collaboration and dedication to democratic principles and continue to work hand in hand, united in the pursuit of a more just, inclusive, and democratic society.
