Fake News Fever: INEC Warns Reporters Against “Winning” Ekiti Election Before Voters Arrive

Fake News has emerged as a major concern ahead of the Ekiti governorship election, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) issuing a direct warning to journalists, broadcasters and online media practitioners against misinformation, manipulated content and premature declaration of election results. The warning, delivered during a stakeholders’ forum in Ado-Ekiti on May 26, reflects growing anxiety within Nigeria’s electoral system over the increasing influence of digital rumours and politically motivated online narratives capable of shaping public perception before official votes are counted.

The Commission warned that sensational reporting and unverified polling figures could damage public trust, suppress voter turnout and potentially create avoidable tension across the state. The concern comes as Ekiti prepares for a tightly monitored governorship contest involving 13 political parties, more than 2,400 polling units and hundreds of accredited journalists expected to cover the election.

INEC Raises Alarm Over Fake News Ahead of Ekiti Governorship Election

Speaking on behalf of the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi, stressed that the media must remain a strategic partner in protecting democracy rather than becoming a vehicle for confusion. He urged media organisations to activate stronger fact-checking systems and verify all election-related information through official INEC channels before publication or broadcast.

The Commission particularly expressed concern over the increasing spread of fake news on social media platforms and online blogs where election rumours often circulate rapidly without verification. According to INEC officials, the race to break news should never outweigh the responsibility to maintain accuracy, especially during a politically sensitive exercise capable of influencing peace and stability within the state.

Dr. Omoseyindemi disclosed that about 64 media organisations had already applied for accreditation to deploy roughly 560 journalists for election coverage. He also confirmed that the accreditation portal would close on June 7, while PVC collection would begin in phases across registration areas and local government offices in early June.

The electoral body further stated that key preparations for the Ekiti Election had been substantially completed, including publication of candidates’ lists, voter register presentation to political parties and procurement of election materials. INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to deploying the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal to improve transparency and credibility during voter accreditation and result management.

Fake News Could Decide Ekiti Election Before Voters Arrive at Polling Units, INEC Warns

The warning from INEC reflects a broader national concern regarding the role of digital media in Nigeria’s elections. In recent election cycles across the country, misleading videos, edited clips, fake polling figures and unofficial projections have repeatedly circulated online before official announcements, sometimes fueling tension among supporters of rival political parties.

Election observers and civic organisations have increasingly argued that misinformation now travels faster than official clarification, especially through encrypted messaging platforms and highly partisan social media accounts. The Commission’s emphasis on “information pollution” highlights fears that online propaganda may become more disruptive than traditional forms of election malpractice if left unchecked.

During the stakeholders’ engagement, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Adedayo Oketola, described fake news as one of the greatest threats to peaceful elections in modern Nigeria. He warned journalists against sacrificing accuracy for speed and stressed that the Commission was working toward simultaneous opening of all polling units across the state on election day.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists in Ekiti State also pledged support for ethical election reporting and disclosed that measures had been introduced to improve accountability among online journalists operating within the state. Analysts say this collaboration between INEC and media stakeholders may prove crucial as political campaigns intensify closer to the June 20 governorship election.

As political parties continue mobilising supporters across Ekiti State, the battle against Fake News may become almost as important as the election itself. For INEC, the challenge is no longer limited to ballot boxes and polling units; it now includes the unpredictable battlefield of viral headlines, edited videos and social media declarations capable of influencing public emotions before official results appear on the IReV portal. OGM News Nigeria will continue monitoring developments surrounding the Ekiti Election as preparations advance toward election day.