The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has warned that Nigeria’s elections remain highly vulnerable to misinformation and inaccurate reporting. He urged journalists to remain committed to factual, responsible coverage as the country heads into a busy 2026 election year.
Amupitan made the appeal in Abuja on Friday during the public presentation of a new book titled “The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,” written by Segun Ojumu, chairman of the INEC Press Corps. He described the book as a detailed account of the risks, sacrifices, and behind-the-scenes efforts of journalists who cover Nigeria’s complex electoral system.
With the FCT Area Council elections and the Ekiti and Osun governorship polls approaching, Amupitan said the work of journalists has become even more crucial. He referenced their important contributions during the Anambra governorship election and the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
“Journalists are an indispensable link between INEC’s operations and the voting public,” he said.
The INEC boss emphasized that even the strongest electoral systems can be weakened by misinformation, misinterpretation, and deliberate distortion of facts. He therefore urged members of the press to verify all reports through official INEC platforms.
“Our official website and digital platforms are authoritative sources. The era of relying on rumours must end,” he warned.
According to him, the credibility of elections depends more on public trust than on technology alone. He also called for media cooperation in tackling election offences such as vote-buying and rigging.
The book’s author, Segun Ojumu, described the publication as a tribute to the bravery and evolution of Nigeria’s election reporters. He stressed the need for journalists to improve their skills, embrace technology, and remain resilient.
“This is a history of courage,” Ojumu said, noting that democracy flourishes when journalists are safe, trained, and well-supported.
The event drew several dignitaries, including representatives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aminu Idris, and senior INEC officials.
In recent years, INEC has intensified efforts to combat misinformation through real-time digital updates and closer collaboration with journalists efforts the commission says are essential to preserving public confidence in the electoral process.
Advertisement
