False election information threatens credible polls, says INEC
As Osun REC charges media to verify claims
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that false election information remains one of the greatest threats to credible elections, urging journalists and media organisations to verify every election-related claim before publication to safeguard public confidence in the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave the warning at a dialogue and interactive forum with journalists and critical stakeholders organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme in Osogbo.
She said the deliberate spread of false information poses a serious threat to the credibility of elections and urged journalists to verify election-related claims, rely on official information from INEC and other authorised institutions, promptly correct inaccurate reports and work with fact-checking organisations to debunk false narratives.
“The responsibility for delivering a peaceful, credible and acceptable election does not rest on INEC alone. It is a collective responsibility requiring the commitment of the media, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and every eligible voter. INEC remains committed to openness, accountability and continuous engagement with the media,” she said.
Babalola also urged media organisations to use their platforms responsibly to promote peace and public confidence in the electoral process, stressing that accuracy, fairness, balance and professionalism should remain the guiding principles of election reporting.
On preparations for the 2026 Osun governorship election, she said the commission had continued to implement all activities contained in the election timetable in line with the Electoral Act, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, and established operational procedures.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, called on election stakeholders in Osun State to demonstrate commitment to a peaceful, credible and inclusive governorship election.
Similarly, the Executive Director of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Dr. Akin Akingbulu, urged journalists covering the Osun governorship election to prioritise fact-checking, inclusive reporting and accountability.
