Anambra guber poll: 43 media houses apply for accreditation for coverage so far, by INEC acting Chairman

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

Acting National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu on Wednesday disclosed that it has received applications from forty-three (43) Media Organisations seeking accreditation for 363 personnel for the coverage of the forthcoming Anambra State governorship election.

The election is slated to hold on Saturday, November 8, this year.

Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu made the disclosure in her remarks at the third quarterly consultative meeting with Media Executives at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The acting INEC Chairman formally reminded the media that the portal for the accreditation will remain open until midnight on 24th October, 2025.

She told the media executives that they have a critical role to play as a bulwark against fake and misleading information throughout this electoral cycle.

According to her, “The Commission’s Media Accreditation Portal for the Anambra State Governorship Election was opened on 1st September, 2025 and as of this morning (Wednesday), we have received applications from 43 Media Organisations seeking accreditation for 363 personnel.

“At this juncture, I wish to formally remind the Media that the Portal remains open until midnight on 24th October, 2025.

“I must stress that there shall be no extension of this deadline.

“We strongly urge all organisations and individuals who have applied to complete their accreditation process well in advance of this deadline.

“Also, the Media accreditation tags issued by the Commission are a vital part of our security and transparency measures, and they come equipped with a security code that can be scanned by all relevant parties, including Security Agencies to immediately confirm the holder’s accredited status.

“To those who will be accredited, we urge you to carry out your essential work with utmost professionalism and sense of responsibility.

“You have a critical role to play as a bulwark against fake and misleading information throughout this electoral cycle.
“Please remember that the Commission’s doors are always open for verifications and clarification on any matter”, she said.

Responding on behalf of the Media, the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Alhassan Yahaya commended INEC for it’s sustained partnership that underscores the central role of the media in the electoral process.

The media, according the NUJ President, remains one of the most critical stakeholders in democracy, not only as observers but as facilitators of credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.

In the words of Comrade Yahaya, “Our duty is to ensure that citizens are well informed, that political actors are held accountable, and that the process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility.

“We acknowledge INEC’s efforts to continuously improve electoral administration through technology, inclusivity, and transparency. However, these reforms must be effectively communicated to the public, and that is where the media comes in.

“It is through our reports, analyses, and engagements that citizens develop trust and understanding of the system.

“As we approach future elections, it is imperative that the collaboration between INEC and the media be deepened.

“We must enhance capacity building for journalists covering electoral matters, strengthen fact-checking to combat misinformation, and ensure timely access to information from INEC”, he said.