The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced significant progress in its preparations for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Mary Nkem, revealed that the commission has completed critical stages of preparation, including the training of security personnel and electoral officers.
Nkem emphasized the importance of media integrity in reporting election news, urging journalists to avoid spreading fake news and misinformation, according to Daily Post.
She highlighted INEC’s efforts to combat misinformation through transparency and openness in its operations.
The commission has also finalized arrangements with transport unions, printed voter registers, and installed election materials.
Additionally, INEC has scheduled a meeting with stakeholders to monitor voter accreditation in Edo State and organized a Peace Accord signing ceremony in Ondo State.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, advised the media to understand the commission’s election result management processes, comply with the Nigerian media code of electoral coverage, and verify facts before reporting.
With these preparations in place, INEC aims to conduct the elections with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
“Preparations have reached an advanced and critical stage due to the importance placed on the role of the media in elections,” he said.
“The commission has left no stone unturned. These efforts are to guarantee that this election will be conducted with the highest standards of integrity.
“We are intensifying our engagement with stakeholders at both the state and local government levels, while voter education is ongoing on all fronts.
“The training of security personnel has been completed, and the training of electoral officers will be finished in September 2024.
“The Commission is finalizing arrangements with the land and marine transport unions.
“The printing of voter registers for each of the 4,590 units in those states is virtually completed. The installation and deployment of election materials are also completed.
“On Tuesday, the 10th of September 2024, the Commission will meet with other stakeholders to monitor voter accreditation in selected areas in Edo State.
“On the 11th of September 2024, the Peace Accord will be signed by all stakeholders under the supervision of the National Committee, chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar. It’s a busy period for us, as you can see.
“Media accreditation opened on Monday, the 8th of July 2024, and closed just yesterday, the 24th of July at 12:30 PM.
“We will publish the list of organizations accredited for the election and share it on all our social media platforms.”
He also warned journalists against reporting fake news, emphasizing that misinformation could harm the electoral process, especially in the digital age.
“The Commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, part of which is being open and transparent in all areas, which the Commission has always done,” he said.
“We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you, the media.”
