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INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu
The Independent National Electoral Commission has accredited 112 media organisations, involving over 700 journalists, technicians, and support personnel for the November 16 Ondo governorship election.
The media presence includes outlets spanning print, radio, television, and digital platforms, according to an announcement by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, at the fourth regular quarterly consultative meeting with media organisations in Abuja on Friday.
“The Commission is glad to announce the accreditation of 112 national and international media organisations (newspaper, radio, television and online) deploying over 700 journalists, technicians and other personnel to facilitate their coverage of the election.
“The detailed breakdown of the media organisations and the number of personnel to be deployed will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information,” he said.
Yakubu stressed the importance of the media in maintaining the integrity of the election, noting that accurate coverage is essential to counter misinformation and promote peaceful elections as political campaigns peak in Ondo State.
The INEC Chairman stated, “I appeal to the media to intensify your accurate reportage that will ensure peaceful elections, especially now that campaign by political parties and candidates is in full swing in the State.
“I also appeal to you to continue to serve as a counterforce against fake news, misinformation and disinformation.”
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, highlighted the vital role of journalist safety and press freedom in supporting Nigeria’s democracy.
Isiguzo emphasised the need for security forces to safeguard journalists from intimidation, harassment, or harm as they conduct their work.
“As we look forward to the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State and other bye-elections, I want to underscore the need for the safety and protection of our journalists.
“We urge security agencies to take proactive steps to guarantee the safety of media professionals, especially in light of the intensified threats and heightened risks that journalists face in today’s environment ,” Isiguzo stated, stressing that clampdowns on journalists should have no place in a democracy.
