INEC advance means to curb fake news, disinformation at a 2-day broadcast media anchors workshop

At a two-day interactive Workshop for Broadcast Media Anchors on Friday in Lagos the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for partnership in its attempt to tackle fake news and disinformation, described as inimical to electoral process.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed that the commission efforts are being challenged by the spread of fake and unverifiable news contents that also tends to fan the embers of incitement and wrong perception about electoral process across the country.

Television and Radio programmes’ anchors nationwide gathered at the workshop will jointly be dissecting with other participants the theme “Contextualizing INEC’s Responsibilities and Public Expectations Amid Fake News and Disinformation”.

Yakubu, who was represented by the INEC National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun, said that fake news and disinformation remained “nuisance” to the electoral body.

He said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (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.

Yakubu added: “Your role as political and current affairs programme anchors is pivotal.

“You are on the frontline of ensuring that the Nigerian electorate are well-informed, that their expectations are managed realistically, and that misinformation is debunked swiftly.”

Highlighting the responsibilities of INEC, Yakubu listed the commission’s key achievements in recent years to include technology-driven reforms, expansion of voter access, strengthening electoral legal framework among others.

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He said that INEC had played an active role in advocating for the amendments to the Electoral Act to reflect modern electoral realities, which has helped address legal bottlenecks and procedural ambiguities.

Yakubu listed challenges to include logistical hurdles, security concerns, fake news and disinformation, violence and electoral malpractices among others.

The INEC boss, however, expressed the commission’s commitment to strengthening electoral processes through innovations, collaborations, and reforms.

Speaking on the role of broadcast media in electoral integrity, Yakubu said that their reportage could shape public perception, influence voter 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 institutions.

“The media must go beyond mere information dissemination to serve as fact-checkers and educators.

“You are not just narrators of events but custodians of truth and fairness.

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

“It is your duty to debunk misinformation promptly and to provide accurate counter-narratives to false claims to prevent them from gaining traction,” INEC boss said.

He said that the media also had the duty to educate the public on the electoral process and help the electorate understand how the electoral system works including their rights.

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He said that accuracy must not be sacrificed for speed.

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Yabuku, who noted that INEC was committed to a closer working relationship with the media, said that the commission’s doors were open for engagements, clarifications, and collaborations.

“We will continue to provide timely and accurate information, and we are open to constructive feedback to improve our processes.

“Together, we can counter the dangers of fake news and disinformation and build a resilient electoral system that Nigerians can trust,” he said.

Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting credible elections that would reflect the will of the people and to uphold the commission’s mandate.

The Commission remains resolute in upholding its mandate, and we count on your support as we navigate the challenges ahead. Let us work together to ensure that our democracy not only survives but thrive.

Yabuku commended the support of INEC’s development partners, particularly, the European Union through DAI, the International Press Centre (IPC), and the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO).

Speaking on the Aims and Objectives, Mr Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman said that, in line with the workshop’s theme, eight papers on diverse topic would be presented.

“Adequate time has also been allocated for interactive sessions where participants can ask questions, seek clarifications, and make their contributions,” he said.

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

He said that the Commission had always been making efforts to support capacity building for journalists and other media professionals on election reporting, devoid of fake news and disinformation.

Salami said that fake news had brought about lack of trust and bias in the electoral system.

In his goodwill message, Mr Rudolf Elbling, the Team Leader of the European Union, DAI, who described election as a complex process, said that the media remained a powerful stakeholder to its success.

Mr Lanre Arogundade, the Executive Director of International Press Centre (IPC) stressed the need for anchors to be abreast of legislations that pertains to electoral process so as to curtail inciting and sweeping comments concerning elections.

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He added that the programme became imperative because some guests on broadcast media political programmes has been found to be making inflammatory comments and weighty allegations that could affect people opinions in electoral process.