INEC Urges Media to Combat Fake News Before Polls

On Tuesday, during an event titled "Journalists and INEC Voter Education Public Dialogue," Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun State, called on media practitioners to assist in combating fake news in the lead-up to the August 15 governorship election. Babalola highlighted the critical role of the media in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, urging journalists to act as gatekeepers of truth by verifying information and countering false narratives.

He expressed concerns about the threats posed by misinformation and disinformation, which could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and incite violence. Babalola reaffirmed INEC's commitment to providing timely and accurate information through official channels and encouraged collaboration with journalists to debunk fake news.

Akin Akingbulu, the Executive Director of the Central Media Society, also emphasized the media's responsibility to educate the public about the electoral process and monitor campaign messages effectively.