The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the commission’s efforts to deliver credible elections are challenged by fake news and disinformation.
Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Friday at a two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media anchors in Lagos, themed “Contextualising INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News as Disinformation,” which brought together television and radio anchors from across the nation.
Yakubu, represented by the INEC National Commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said fake news and disinformation undermine the work of the electoral body.
He said, “INEC is tasked with a fundamental responsibility: to conduct free, fair, credible, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“Our mission is not just to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box but also to continuously improve the electoral process to meet the dynamic needs and expectations of the public.
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“However, we are keenly aware that our efforts are increasingly challenged by the pervasive spread of fake news and disinformation, which distort facts, mislead the public, and can undermine electoral integrity.”
He listed other things affecting INEC’s operations as logistical hurdles, security concerns, violence, and electoral malpractices, among others.
The INEC boss expressed the commission’s commitment to strengthening electoral processes through innovation, collaboration, and reforms.
Yakubu alsk noted that INEC was committed to a closer working relationship with the media and said the commission’s doors were open for engagements, clarifications, and collaborations.
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