Media remained a major channel through which INEC communicated with citizens, disseminated electoral information and promoted voter participation
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned journalists, media organisations and social media analysts against spreading unverified information, fake news and inflammatory political content ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission said irresponsible reporting and the spread of misinformation could weaken public confidence in the electoral system, heighten political tension and undermine the peaceful conduct of elections.
INEC gave the warning during a media engagement organised for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Social Media Analysts (NISMA), Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and media executives in Enugu State.
The engagement, held at Hotel Sylvia, Enugu, was themed “Ethical and Professional Standards in Election Reporting Ahead of the 2027 General Elections.”
The Enugu State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, who represented the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, described the media as indispensable to credible elections and democratic development.
He said the media remained a major channel through which INEC communicated with citizens, disseminated electoral information and promoted voter participation.
Chukwu urged journalists to ensure that election-related reports were properly verified, particularly information concerning polling unit activities, electoral materials, results and the deployment of technology.
He identified voter education as another critical responsibility of the media, urging practitioners to enlighten Nigerians on PVC collection, accreditation, voting procedures, BVAS and electronic transmission of results.
He equally advocated balanced coverage that would adequately reflect the participation and interests of women, youths and persons with disabilities.
In his message, Haruna expressed concern over provocative political statements, particularly expressions such as “rig and die,” warning that such rhetoric could threaten the safety of election officials, voters, party agents and observers.
He advised journalists to exercise professional judgment when reporting such statements and encouraged political parties and candidates to use lawful channels to address electoral grievances.
The National Commissioner also urged media organisations to expose vote buying and educate the public on emerging threats, including deepfake videos, fake social media accounts and coordinated disinformation campaigns.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta Messi, the Deputy Director of Information and Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, said the engagement was part of INEC’s efforts to build a stronger working relationship with media professionals ahead of the elections.
He said the programme would equip journalists with a better understanding of the Electoral Act 2026 and the Commission’s technological innovations, particularly BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
Ifogah urged media organisations to establish specialised election reporting desks, strengthen editorial standards and adopt effective fact-checking mechanisms.
He also warned against premature announcement of election results before their official declaration by Returning Officers.
In his goodwill message, the Enugu State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Obinna Ogbuka, commended INEC for choosing the state to host the engagement.
Ogbuka acknowledged concerns about public confidence in the electoral body and urged journalists to promote transparency through factual, balanced and objective reporting.
He also called on INEC to sustain its capacity-building initiatives to improve journalists’ understanding of electoral laws and procedures.
The programme featured technical presentations by officials from INEC’s Legal, Information and Communication Technology/Voter Registration, and Electoral Operations departments.
The sessions examined the legal provisions, technological systems and operational procedures guiding election administration, particularly the Electoral Act 2026 and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Participants also engaged resource persons on electoral procedures, raised concerns and offered recommendations towards strengthening cooperation between INEC and the media.