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September 11, 2024

INEC Seeks Collaboration With Media To Counter Fake News

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has called for increased collaboration with broadcast media to tackle the menace of fake news, disinformation, and misconceptions about the Commission and Nigeria’s electoral process.

Speaking at the opening of a two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media professionals on October 25th at the Radisson Blu, Ikeja, Lagos, Prof. Yakubu, who was represented by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun mni,  emphasized the critical role of media anchors in safeguarding electoral integrity.

Themed “Contextualizing INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations amid Fake News and Disinformation,” the workshop aimed to equip media professionals with the tools and knowledge to accurately report on electoral matters and manage public expectations. The event was supported by development partners including the European Union, the International Press Centre (IPC), and Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).

Prof. Yakubu highlighted INEC’s broad mandate, which encompasses voter registration, regulation of political parties, conduct of elections, voter education, and ensuring electoral integrity. While the commission has made significant strides in adopting technology—such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV)—to enhance transparency and boost voter confidence, the Chairman noted that INEC’s efforts are being hampered by logistical challenges, security concerns, and the spread of fake news.

“Organizing elections in a vast and diverse nation like Nigeria presents enormous logistical challenges,” he stated, acknowledging that the workforce of the Commission consists of 15,000 permanent staff and up to 1.2 million ad-hoc personnel during general elections.

Prof. Yakubu expressed concern over the pervasive threat of fake news and disinformation, which he described as deliberate efforts to mislead the public and erode trust in democratic institutions. He warned that such falsehoods could manipulate electoral outcomes and incite unrest.

“Fake news and disinformation are not merely nuisances; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in institutions,” he stated.

The INEC Chairman stressed the need for the media to go beyond simply narrating events to serve as fact-checkers and educators. He called on journalists to verify information before publication, promptly debunk misinformation, and educate the public on the electoral process.

He urged broadcast media professionals to recognize the power of their platforms and the ethical responsibility that comes with it.

He emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed in news reporting, particularly during election periods, and called for active media involvement in countering disinformation. He commended the broadcast media’s participation in the workshop, describing it as an effort to bridge the gap between INEC’s responsibilities and public expectations. He assured participants of INEC’s commitment to providing timely and accurate information and maintaining open channels for constructive feedback and engagement.

The workshop aims to foster stronger collaboration between INEC and the media, with discussions focusing on strategies to combat misinformation and bolster public trust in the electoral system. Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people, calling for the continued support of media professionals in upholding democratic values.

“Together, we can counter the dangers of fake news and disinformation and build a resilient electoral system that Nigerians can trust,” he concluded.

In his welcome remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, highlighted the damaging impact of fake news on the credibility of Nigeria’s elections, noting that misinformation can distort public opinion and create distrust in the electoral process. He stressed the importance of delivering untainted information, as this would enhance public confidence in democratic institutions and electoral outcomes.

“The effect of fake news and disinformation in our society, to say the least, has brought about a lack of trust and bias in the electoral system,” he remarked. Prof. Salami called for a collective effort to curb the spread of fake news, stating that all stakeholders must take responsibility to ensure a truthful and transparent flow of information.

“As we map out ways to deliver transparent, credible, and acceptable electoral processes, let us all take it as our collective responsibility that fake news and disinformation have no thriving space in our society,” Prof. Salami said.

Outlining the Workshop objectives, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, highlighted that a lack of understanding of electoral laws often leads to misplaced expectations and false accusations against the Commission. He said for example, many Nigerians mistakenly blame INEC for irregularities in local government elections, despite the fact that such elections are managed by state authorities, not INEC, except in the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that INEC has made extensive efforts to educate the public on its procedures and legal framework, but observed that a lack of awareness persists. This lack of knowledge, according to him, is evident in public discussions where guests on live radio and TV programs make inaccurate claims about the Commission’s activities, leading the public to accept and spread these false narratives.

“To tackle these challenges, the workshop aims to empower media professionals with accurate information and deeper insights into the Commission’s work. Over the course of the event, eight papers on various topics will be presented, followed by interactive sessions where participants can ask questions and share recommendations,” he said.

In a goodwill message, the Team Leader, DAI, Rudolf Elbling, commended INEC for organizing such an innovative workshop which aims to clarify certain misconceptions of the public on the Commission. He stated, “In today’s media landscape, everyone has the possibility to express his/her opinion, but in a sensitive process such as elections it bears some risks”.

Mr. Elbling urged participants to maintain professionalism in their reportage, adding that factual reportage would help calm the polity.

The workshop which has participants drawn from Broadcast Media organisations across the 36 states and the FCT continues with deliberations on improving media practices in election reporting and enhancing collaboration with INEC to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in Nigeria.