The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasised that the media will play a vital role in ensuring the success of the forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The commission stated that journalists and broadcasters must help promote factual information to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
Deputy Director of Publicity at INEC, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, made this known during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka. He described media practitioners as the mirror of society who help the public stay informed with credible and balanced news. According to him, “The commission appreciates and values the services of the media in ensuring accurate and unbiased information to the public.”
Ifogah noted that the spread of misinformation and fake news could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. He appealed to journalists to avoid unverified stories, manipulated videos, and false claims that could create unnecessary tension. “We do not want any smearing of the electoral integrity through fake news and misinformation,” he said.
He revealed that INEC’s team had arrived in Anambra for a week-long assessment visit to ensure adequate preparation ahead of the polls. The commission, he said, had assembled media professionals to partner with INEC in promoting voter education and public awareness. The collaboration aims to strengthen democracy through credible reporting and responsible communication.
Ifogah disclosed that non-sensitive materials had already been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials would arrive under tight security before the election. He added that INEC’s activities include logistics planning, technology deployment, staff training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination. He also confirmed that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recent registration exercise are ready for collection from October 22 to 26.
The INEC official urged residents to collect their PVCs and participate fully in the election, noting that accreditation and voting would begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m., or until the last voter in the queue has cast their ballot. He also called on the media to continue sensitising the public and to help combat misinformation that could harm the credibility of the election.
