The Independent National Electoral Commission recently highlighted the challenges faced in ensuring credible elections due to the prevalence of fake news and disinformation. The Chairman of INEC, Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized this during an Interactive Workshop for broadcast media anchors.
Yakubu stressed that fake news and disinformation undermine the electoral body’s work of conducting free, fair, and transparent elections that truly represent the people’s will. The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between INEC’s responsibilities and public expectations, equipping participants to report accurately on electoral matters.
Among the issues affecting INEC’s operations are logistical hurdles, security concerns, violence, and electoral malpractices. Yakubu reiterated INEC’s commitment to enhancing electoral processes through innovation, collaborations, and reforms.
He emphasized the pivotal role of broadcast media in shaping public perception, influencing voter behavior, and impacting election outcomes. Yakubu urged the media to verify information, debunk misinformation promptly, and provide accurate counter-narratives to prevent the spread of false claims.
Furthermore, Yakubu expressed INEC’s readiness to engage with the media, welcoming constructive feedback to improve electoral processes and combat fake news and disinformation effectively.
The workshop included presentations on various topics related to electoral integrity, with interactive sessions for participants to ask questions and contribute. INEC officials and development partners like the European Union were commended for their support in strengthening the electoral system.
In conclusion, the event underscored the importance of uprightness, integrity, and diligence in electoral activities, emphasizing the media’s crucial role as a powerful stakeholder in the electoral process.