Ekiti 2026: INEC warns against fake news, premature results declaration ahead of election
INEC Issues Warning Against Misinformation Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned journalists and media professionals against spreading false information and declaring election results prematurely ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election on June 20, 2026.
During a media stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on May 26, INEC officials emphasized that the dissemination of inaccurate reports, deceptive headlines, and unverified polling unit data poses a significant risk to both the electoral process and public confidence in democracy.
Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti, represented INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee chairman, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, at the event. He highlighted the media’s vital role in maintaining electoral integrity.
“The increasing spread of false information, particularly on social media and unverified platforms, is a significant concern,” said Dr. Omoseyindemi. He urged media executives to implement fact-checking protocols and encouraged reporters to verify details with official INEC sources before broadcasting or publishing.
Dr. Omoseyindemi cautioned against sensational reporting, stating that it could lead to public panic, reduce voter turnout, and disrupt the election’s peaceful conduct. “The media is not just an observer in the electoral process; it is a strategic partner in safeguarding democracy,” he added.
As of the forum, 64 media organizations had submitted applications for accreditation to cover the upcoming election, planning to deploy approximately 560 journalists. The accreditation portal will close at midnight on June 7.
The governorship election will take place across all 16 local government areas, 117 registration areas or wards, and 2,445 polling units in Ekiti, with 13 political parties participating. Dr. Omoseyindemi stated that essential preparations for the election, including the final list of candidates and the presentation of the voter register to political parties, had been largely completed.
To ensure transparency, INEC will use the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) for voter accreditation and result management. Procurement for non-sensitive election materials is nearly complete, and sensitive materials are in the final stages of production. Recruitment and screening for ad hoc staff have also been finished, with training set to begin shortly.
Additionally, the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection will occur at registration areas from June 4-8 and at local government offices from June 9-11.
Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, noted that the forum aimed to enhance cooperation between INEC and the media. It was designed to provide precise information on electoral procedures, technology deployment, operational guidelines, and relevant provisions of the Electoral Act of 2026.
In a goodwill message, Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, described misinformation as a major threat to peaceful elections. He stressed that accuracy in reporting must not be sacrificed for speed.
Oketola reported that seven out of the nine activities outlined in INEC’s election timetable are complete. He reaffirmed that all polling units would open simultaneously at 8:30 a.m. on Election Day.
Kayode Babatuyi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, indicated that the union has initiated measures to combat fake news and enhance accountability among online journalists in the state. He assured INEC of the union’s commitment to ethical journalism and responsible election coverage.
The forum gathered media executives, editors, reporters, and on-air personalities from across Ekiti State, featuring briefings on INEC’s technology and operational logistics for the upcoming election.
