The Independent National Electoral Commission has approved accreditation for 112 media organizations, enabling over 700 journalists, technicians, and support staff to cover the Ondo governorship election on November 16.
At the fourth quarterly consultative meeting with media representatives in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, outlined the Commission’s commitment to broad media access for the election.
“The Commission is pleased to confirm the accreditation of 112 national and international media organizations, spanning newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms,” Yakubu stated. “These organizations will deploy over 700 personnel to ensure comprehensive coverage of the election.”
Yakubu mentioned that details of the accredited media outlets and their personnel would soon be made available on INEC’s website and social media. He underscored the media’s significant role in protecting electoral integrity, highlighting how responsible and factual reporting can counter misinformation and foster peaceful elections.
“I urge the media to enhance their accurate and balanced reporting to help ensure a peaceful election,” Yakubu said. “With political campaigns in full swing, your role in debunking fake news, misinformation, and disinformation is more important than ever.”
Adding to Yakubu’s remarks, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), stressed the importance of press freedom and journalist protection as vital components of a healthy democracy.
“As we approach the Ondo gubernatorial election and other bye-elections, I want to stress the need for the safety and security of journalists,” Isiguzo said. “Security forces must be proactive in ensuring that media professionals can work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or harm.”
Isiguzo reiterated that any clampdown on journalists is unacceptable in a democratic society and urged law enforcement to prioritize the safety of media workers. “Journalists play a crucial role in our democracy, and their protection must be prioritized,” he added.