INEC Warns Against Disinformation Ahead of Ekiti Poll

Joash Ojo Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stated that the forthcoming Ekiti State governorship election on June 20 is a significant test case for Nigeria's electoral system in preparation for the 2027 general elections. He warned that election-day disinformation and the circulation of fake news pose major threats to the credibility of the democratic process.

Amupitan urged journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards and verify information to maintain public trust. He reassured that no election results would be uploaded to the INEC results viewing portal (IREV) without thorough verification.

The commission has conducted a mock accreditation exercise across selected polling units in Ekiti State, yielding impressive results with the biometric voter accreditation system. Amupitan also noted that security measures have been intensified, with 1,000 candidates participating nationwide and 469,500 polling units identified as vulnerable.

He emphasized the need for collaboration with security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral exercise.