The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent and unbiased governorship election in Edo State on September 21.
Sam Olumekun, INEC Commissioner for Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), made this declaration at a media engagement in Benin, emphasizing the commission’s readiness to deliver a credible electoral process.
INEC has introduced significant reforms through the Electoral Act to enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
The commission relies on the partnership of journalists to achieve its goal of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
Journalists play a crucial role in holding all stakeholders, including INEC, accountable and ensuring transparency throughout the electoral process.
Olumekun encouraged journalists to familiarize themselves with the legal framework governing elections to provide informed coverage and educate the public on the electoral process.
He also urged journalists to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information that could incite violence, spread hate speech, or promote fake news.
Additionally, Olumekun reminded eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in person across the 192 wards in Edo State, warning that PVC collection is strictly by individual and not by proxy. With these measures in place, INEC is poised to deliver a successful and credible governorship election in Edo State.
