Call to Journalists for Responsible Reporting in Ekiti Governorship Election
As the June 20, 2026, Ekiti State governorship election approaches, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is urging journalists and media organizations to collaborate in upholding the integrity of the electoral process through accurate, balanced, and responsible reporting.
INEC emphasized that misinformation, fraudulent election results, and inflammatory online content pose significant threats to the peace and credibility of elections. The way the media engages during the Ekiti governorship election will significantly influence public confidence leading into the 2027 general elections.
At the Media Stakeholders Forum in Ado-Ekiti, Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, described the upcoming election as a crucial test for Nigeria’s democratic framework. He noted, “The June 20 governorship election is not just about Ekiti State; it serves as a vital rehearsal for the 2027 general elections.”
Haruna announced that 13 political parties will vie across 16 local government areas, 117 wards, and 2,445 polling units throughout the state. He updated attendees on INEC’s thorough preparations for the elections, which include the distribution of essential materials, recruitment and training of temporary personnel, voter education initiatives, and security measures coordinated via the Inter-Ministerial Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).
To reinforce transparency and trust in the electoral process, Haruna assured stakeholders that INEC would implement the Bimodal Voter Verification System (BVAS) alongside the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV). However, he expressed alarm over the increasing prevalence of disinformation and manipulated content, which could incite panic and destabilize democracy.
The INEC Commissioner highlighted that misleading and unverified reports on social media contributed to tension and distrust in previous elections. He urged journalists to enhance their fact-checking efforts and verify any sensitive electoral information directly with INEC prior to publication.
Addressing the ongoing challenge of low voter turnout in Nigeria, Haruna called upon the media to intensify voter education and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting young people, women, and individuals with disabilities. In alignment, Dr. Bunmi Omoseindemi, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, warned against the dissemination of manipulated videos, sensational headlines, and erroneous reports that could exacerbate the political climate.
He encouraged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to refrain from engaging in hate speech that might incite rhetoric or actions threatening peaceful elections. Kayode Babatui, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ekiti State, reaffirmed the journalists’ commitment to ethical journalism and responsible election reporting. He revealed that the NUJ has initiated an online chapel aimed at regulating digital media practitioners in the state while promoting accountability among online publishers.
The forum also explored advancements in election technology, regulations under the 2026 Elections Act, voting procedures, and guidelines for online media certification ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
