By Joy Odor
The Chairman, Independent National Electroal Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu on Thursday mandated the Nigeria media to continue to be a bulwark against fake news and misleading narratives about the Commission and its activities.
This is even as he observed that a very important reality in today’s age of information technology is the spread of fake news and misinformation instantly and on a global scale.
Prof Yakubu gave the mandate in his address at the first Quarterly Consultative Meeting with Media organization in Abuja.
INEC Boss explained that on many occasions, INEC does not believe in censorship because the best antidote to fake news is greater openness and transparency.
Prof Yakubu appreciated the partnership with the media and reassured that INEC will continue to work closely with them as he welcome the media executive reports, commentaries and analyses on elections in particular and electoral activities in general.
“Is in furtherance of this policy that the Commission interfaces regularly with stakeholders through our regular consultative meetings.
“More specifically, some of the innovations introduced by the Commission to improve service delivery to the electorate, ensure the safety and security of journalists and grant them unimpeded access to various locations during elections and electoral activities draw from your reports as well as the suggestions and recommendations made during our quarterly meetings.
“The Commission has maintained the tradition of regular consultations with stakeholders which is critical to elections and electoral activities.
“I am glad to note that working together, we have sustained the consultative engagements arising from which important suggestions and recommendations have been made for the improvement of the electoral process in Nigeria.
“As you are aware, the mandate of the Commission is to organise, supervise and conduct elections in addition to other electoral activities. This is an extensive responsibility which involves seven different types of elections: general elections, bye-elections, off-cycle elections, supplementary elections, re-run elections, referendum and recall.
‘Only last month, the Commission conducted 48 elections made up of 9 bye-elections and 39 re-run elections in 26 States of the Federation involving three Senatorial Districts, 17 Federal Constituencies and 28 State Constituencies spread across 8,934 Polling Units in 575 Wards located in 80 Local Government Areas with a total of 4,904,627 registered voters.
“I have said repeatedly that there is no election season in Nigeria any longer. Elections are held regularly and all-year round between one general election and another.
“In destructively, even today’s meeting is coming in the middle of increased activities for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States.
“By the Timetable and Schedule of Activities released by the Commission in September last year, the Edo Governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024 while that of Ondo State is scheduled for Saturday 16th November 2024.
“This means that we have just six months to the Edo State Governorship election and only eight months before the Ondo State Governorship election. It is therefore appropriate to brief you at this meeting on preparations for the two Governorship elections so far.
“For Edo State, 18 Political Parties conducted their primaries monitored by the Commission. Going by the provision of the Timetable for the election, Political Parties have 20 days from 4th March 2024 to upload the list and personal particulars of their candidates to our dedicated web portal. As at this morning, 10 Parties have done so.
“We expect the other Parties to comply before the deadline of 6pm on Sunday 24th March 2024 when the portal automatically shuts down.
“A week later on 31st March 2024, the Commission will publish the personal particulars of the candidates (Form EC9) as required by law” he said.
Prof Yakubu therefore urged the media and the general public, particularly registered voters in Edo State, to scrutinise the bio-data and credentials of the candidates which is the essence of the publication as provided by law.
“Turning to Ondo State, Political Parties will commence their primaries for the Governorship election in the next two weeks.
“At the moment, 17 out of 19 Parties have indicated interest in participating in the election.
The INEC Boss urged media organisations to engage with Political Parties as well as their aspirants and report on the primaries with the same diligence and depth you report on the main election conducted by INEC.
According to him, by doing so will go a long way to strengthen Nigeria democracy since only the products of the party primaries are ultimately placed on the ballot paper for citizens to vote for in the main election, adding that Party primaries are as important as the main election conducted by INEC.
In his response on behalf of the media, Dr Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) appealed to the media to uphold the sanctity of the ballot box and safeguard the democratic aspirations of the nation, hoping that their collective efforts would pave the way for a brighter, more prosperous future for all Nigerians.
He mentioned that their tireless efforts in promoting public awareness, scrutinizing electoral processes, and holding stakeholders accountable contribute significantly to the integrity and credibility of the electoral system.
NUJ President opined that the conduct of credible elections not only upholds the principles of democracy but also fosters national unity, stability, and progress which reinforces the legitimacy of the democratic institutions and reaffirms the people’s trust in the electoral process.
He expressed that the responsibility entrusted to INEC to conduct elections with integrity and impartiality cannot be overstated.
Dr Isiguzo commended the unwavering commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission to upholding the highest standards of electoral integrity and transparency, saying INEC dedication to ensuring that every vote counts and every voice is heard is commendable and serves as a beacon of hope for the democracy.
“It is with great honor and privilege that I address you today at the First Quarterly Consultative Meeting between INEC and the media for the year 2024. This gathering marks a significant milestone in our democratic journey, as we come together to reaffirm our commitment to transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral processes.
“As we stand on the cusp of off-season elections, particularly in Edo and Ondo states later this year, it is imperative that we underscore the vital importance of free, fair, and credible elections in the advancement of our democratic governance. Elections serve as the cornerstone of our democracy, providing the mechanism through which citizens exercise their fundamental right to choose their representatives and chart the course of their collective future.
“Furthermore, I wish to express my profound appreciation to the media for their indispensable role as the watchdogs of democracy. The media plays a crucial role in informing, educating, and mobilizing the electorate, thereby facilitating the exercise of their civic responsibility.
“I also commend INEC for sustaining this quarterly engagement with the media, recognizing the media as a key stakeholder in the electoral process. This platform provides an invaluable opportunity for dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between INEC and the media, ultimately enhancing the transparency and effectiveness of our electoral processes” he stressed.
