Journalists Warned By Yakubu: Stay Vigilant Against INEC Falsehoods

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has issued a stern warning to media organizations regarding the proliferation of fake news and misleading information in anticipation of the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states.

Yakubu delivered this caution during the inaugural quarterly consultative meeting with media bodies held in Abuja on Thursday. The Edo gubernatorial election is slated for September 21, 2024, while the Ondo gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 16, 2024.

With only three days remaining until the deadline for candidate particulars submission for the Edo poll, merely 10 parties have uploaded their candidates’ details on the INEC portal. Conversely, seventeen out of nineteen parties have expressed interest in participating in the Ondo governorship contest.

Emphasizing INEC’s stance against censorship, Yakubu underscored the significance of openness and transparency as effective countermeasures against fake news and misinformation in today’s digital era.

He stated, “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.”

Yakubu also highlighted the pivotal role of media engagement in enhancing electoral processes and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to the public. He encouraged media outlets to maintain vigilance against fake news and to provide insightful coverage