The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it has put in place measures to tackle incidences of fake news and misinformation during the upcoming September 21 off-cycle governorship election in Edo State.
The Commission expressed concern about the negative impact that fake news, misinformation, and disinformation have on the outcome of elections in the country. National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, addressed these concerns while speaking to members of the INEC Press Corps.
He said, “The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Edo Governorship Election is conducted smoothly, and we count on your cooperation to make this a reality.”
Olumekun also highlighted the dangers posed by fake news in the digital age, especially during election periods. He said, “In this digital age, we are acutely aware of the dangers posed by fake and misleading news, especially during an election period. Such information has the potential to disrupt the electoral process, undermine public confidence, and incite unnecessary tensions.”
He further explained that INEC has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, saying, “The Commission has taken proactive steps to combat this menace, part of which is to be open and transparent in all its dealings. We have made it a culture to constantly update the public through you after every Commission’s meeting when decisions are taken. We will intensify the information flow as we move closer to the Edo governorship election.”
Olumekun urged the media and the public to verify any election-related information with the Commission before sharing it. He stated, “We urge the public and the media to play their part by verifying any information related to the election directly with the Commission before sharing. Our doors are open for any inquiries, and we have established multiple channels through which the public can reach us for accurate information. Let us all work together to ensure that only the truth prevails during this election period.”
He went on to discuss the Commission’s preparation for the Edo election. He said, “The Commission has left no stone unturned in its efforts to guarantee that this election will be conducted with the highest standards of integrity. As you are aware, we have intensified our engagement with stakeholders at State and Local Government levels, while voter education is still ongoing at all levels.”
He added, “The Training of Security Personnel has been concluded, while the Training of Ad-hoc staff, i.e., Supervisory Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers, and Assistant Presiding Officers starts today 6th to the 15th of this month in Edo State.”
Olumekun further noted, “The Commission is concluding arrangements with the land and maritime transport unions for logistics. The printing of triplicate copies of voters’ register for each of the 4,519 Polling Units in Edo State is virtually completed.”
He also spoke about the technical aspects of the election preparation, adding, “The installation and configuration of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to be deployed on Election Day is completed. Observer and accreditation tags are being produced as well.”
Speaking on the mock accreditation of voters, he said, “On Tuesday 10th September 2024, the Chairman of the Commission will lead other management team to monitor the Mock Accreditation of voters in selected Polling Units in Edo State to test-run the deployment of BVAS for the election as well as the upload of scanned polling units results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.”
Olumekun also shared the Commission’s plan for stakeholder engagement. “The next day, on Wednesday 11th September 2024 in Benin City, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu will chair the INEC Stakeholders meeting involving the Police I.G and all relevant stakeholders in Edo State, and on Thursday 12th September 2024, the signing of the Peace Accord by candidates will take place under the supervision of the National Peace Committee chaired by General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retired), so it’s a very busy period for the Commission,” he explained.
He confirmed the ongoing printing of media accreditation cards, stating, “The Commission has commenced the printing of media accreditation cards and will be concluded on Monday 9th September 2024. 122 organisations who applied for a total of 892 personnel were approved after careful review.”
Olumekun assured that the Commission remains transparent and open to collaboration. “As we approach this important election, remember that democracy thrives when the electorate are well-informed, the truth is upheld, and all stakeholders—from the voters to the media—act with integrity and responsibility,” he concluded.