Osun guber: INEC tasks media on ethical reporting, warns against misinformation

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has urged media organisations to uphold professionalism and ethical journalism ahead of the Aug. 15 Osun State governorship election.

Amupitan made the call on Saturday during an interactive session with media executives at the INEC State Office in Osogbo, describing the media’s role as critical to the credibility of the electoral process.

He warned that misinformation, disinformation and the unauthorised declaration of election results pose serious threats to public peace and democratic stability, urging journalists to verify facts before publication or broadcast.

The INEC chairman also cautioned against portraying isolated technical glitches at polling units as systemic failures across the state and urged the media to educate voters on the electoral process.

“Use your channels to educate voters. Remind them that no PVC means no voting and that vote-buying remains a criminal offence,” he said.

Amupitan reiterated that INEC remains a neutral electoral umpire committed only to ensuring a transparent process in which every valid vote counts.

“We do not care who wins the election; we only care how they win. Our sole job is to ensure that the process is clean and that the declaration reflects the true sovereign will of the Osun electorate,” he said.

He added that the Osun governorship election would serve as a key test ahead of the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that collaboration between INEC and the media would help deliver a credible and peaceful poll.