The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the commission’s efforts to deliver credible elections are challenged by fake news and disinformation.

The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this at a two-day interactive workshop for broadcast media anchors on Friday in Lagos.

The event, with the theme “Contextualising INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News as Disinformation”, brought together television and radio anchors nationwide.

Mr 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.

“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.”

According to him, the workshop is an effort to bridge the gap between INEC’s responsibilities and public expectations and to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to accurately and effectively report on electoral matters.

Mr Yakubu 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.

Speaking on the role of broadcast media in enhancing electoral integrity, Mr Yakubu said their reportage could shape public perception, influence voters’ behaviour, and even impact the outcome of elections.

“The spread of false information poses a significant threat to our electoral process, often creating confusion, inciting unrest, or discrediting legitimate outcomes.

“Fake news and disinformation are not merely nuisances; they are deliberate attempts to mislead the public, manipulate electoral outcomes, and erode trust in the institutions.

“It is your duty to verify information before publication and cross-check facts from credible sources, especially during election periods when misinformation is rampant,” Mr Yakubu said.

Mr Yakubu 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.

In his welcome address, Ayobami Salami, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, noted that electoral activities, particularly in Nigeria, “are big tasks that require uprightness, integrity and diligence.”

Speaking at the event, Lanre Arogundade, the executive director of the International Press Centre (IPC), said broadcast media anchors should be abreast of legislation pertaining to the electoral process to curtail inciting and sweeping comments on elections.

(NAN)