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Urges media to shun fake news, misinformation
By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has reiterated its readiness and commitment to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.
The Anambra State governorship election is slated for Saturday November 8, this year.
An INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Sam Olumekun gave the assurance on Wednesday in Awka, the State capital, at a forum organized for media executives, Reporters, Producers and on-Air personalities ahead of the election.
He explained that INEC, in line with its commitment to credible and inclusive elections, has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.
The INEC National Commissioner however stated that as preparations for the election intensify, it was partinent
to address one of the biggest threats to electoral integrity, which is fake news and misinformation.
False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims, he pointed out can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust.
According to Olumekun, “Permit me to assure you that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is fully prepared for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election on November 8, 2025.
“In line with our commitment to credible and inclusive elections, the Commission has been implementing a comprehensive plan of activities covering logistics, technology, training, stakeholder engagement, and security coordination.
“The Commission’s level of readiness is both practical and measurable. All non-sensitive materials have been delivered to the state, while sensitive materials will arrive in due course under strict security arrangements.
“This week, the Commission is in Anambra State for a week-long readiness assessment visit. The visit will feature meetings with key stakeholders, including the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), transport unions, and a mock accreditation exercise, and an overall review of preparations.
“These activities send a clear message: INEC is ready and fully committed to conducting a free, fair, and credible election in Anambra State.
“Permit me to also inform you that Permanent Voter Cards from the recently conducted CVR exercise in Anambra state are ready for collection. Starting from Wednesday 22nd to Sunday 26th October 2025. Anambrairans who registered within the last exercise are encouraged to visit the Wards where they registered to collect their PVCs.
“I must emphasis that there will be no collection by proxy. We seek your support in this regards to help mobilise registrants through your various platforms to pick up these PVCs in order to participate in the November 8 election”, he said.
Continuing, the INEC National Commissioner added, “As preparations intensify, we must address one of the biggest threats to electoral integrity: fake news and misinformation.
“False stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust. We all have a duty to work together to stop the spread of such harmful content.
“I therefore call on the media, particularly editors, news producers, and on-air personalities, to verify before amplifying. Let truth remain your only compass.
“As the saying goes: a lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes. Let us ensure that truth runs faster this election season”, he advised.
