By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has harped on the need for the media to play their role by guiding against deliberate falsehoods that could suppress voter turnout, incite violence, or undermine the integrity of commission’s results.
Amupitan stated this at the unveiling of a book titled ‘The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists’, written by the Chairman of INEC Press Corps, Mr Segun Ojumu, in Abuja on Friday.
The INEC Chairman pointedly declared that even the strongest electoral systems can be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation, or deliberate distortion.
He pointed out that INEC and the media, together, can ensure that the commission’s elections are remembered not for discord, but for their spirit of unity, transparency, and the pursuit of common goals.
Election, he maintained, remains the lifeblood of the nation’s democracy.
In the words of Amupitan, “Elections do not succeed on technology alone; they succeed when the public believes in the information they receive.
“The work documented in this book celebrates your decisive role in helping to shape the national understanding of the electoral process.
“To facilitate swift and accurate reporting, let me be clear: our official website and all digital channels are veritable and authoritative points of contact for the media.
“This is in conjunction with the support you receive from designated officials authorised to interface with you.
“The era of relying on rumour and unverified sources must end. If in doubt about any figure, process, or policy, we urge you to verify from us directly.
The book, he stated further, reminded everyone that democracy stands or falls on public trust and urged journalists to always provide the on-ground verification which sustains confidence in the ballot.
He said, “The stories you tell, the accuracy you uphold, and the fairness you demonstrate play a critical role in ultimately legitimising election results. “At a time when false narratives can spread faster than the truth, your meticulous and professional documentation is needed more than ever before.
“As we navigate this period of intense electoral activity (from the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026 to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun), INEC remains committed to openness and accountability.
We have intensified our engagement with stakeholders, strengthened our use of technology like BVAS and IReV, and deepened our collaboration with security agencies, civil society, and the media.
“This book stands as a testament to your crucial service to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is, in essence, a roadmap for building a more accountable electoral future for Nigeria. “We seek your sustained, collaborative partnership to help the Commission deliver verified, accurate information to the Nigerian people, and to firmly combat the menace of vote-buying and all forms of election rigging.
