The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged media organizations in the country to take adequate measures against disinformation, misinformation and fake news as Nigeria prepares for the 2023 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, stated this at the Commission’s quarterly consultative meeting with the media yesterday in Abuja.
Prof. Yakubu, who urged the media to continue supporting INEC for successful elections in 2023, also stated that the media has a critical role to play in combating misinformation and fake news that could disrupt the elections.
“As the 2023 general election approaches, we shall continue to work together with the media. We will remain transparent and provide the required information to combat the triple menace of misinformation, disinformation and fake news as the commission does not support censorship”.
He added, “We believe that the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and greater transparency. So, we appeal to the media to help us fact check, particularly some of the postings on the new media intended to either delegitimise those who conduct elections or to delegitimise the institution that conducts elections, with the ultimate aim of undermining the process.
“As I said, we will always remain open and provide information. I know you’re all professionals in your own right, but I have also learned on this job for some time now that a professional journalist is as effective as the amount and quality of information available to him or her. We will continue to provide you with the information necessary for transparent and credible elections”.
