The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged journalists, media organisations and social media analysts to uphold ethical standards and verify information ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Commission warned that misinformation, disinformation and inflammatory political statements could undermine public confidence and threaten peaceful elections.
The call was made during a media engagement forum organised for media stakeholders in Enugu State, with the theme, “Ethical and Professional Standards in Election Reporting Ahead of the 2027 General Elections.”
Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, Dr Chukwuemeka J. Chukwu, who represented the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, described the media as a critical partner in ensuring electoral integrity.
He cautioned journalists against publishing unverified election results and reports, urging them to rely on INEC’s official communication channels.
Haruna also warned against inflammatory slogans such as “rig and die”, describing them as threats to the safety of electoral officials, voters and other stakeholders.
He urged media organisations to intensify voter education, expose vote buying and combat emerging forms of disinformation, including deepfakes and fake social media accounts.
Earlier, INEC’s Deputy Director of Information and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Commission and media practitioners.
He urged media organisations to establish dedicated election desks, strengthen editorial guidelines and introduce fact-checking mechanisms ahead of the elections.
The forum also featured presentations on the Electoral Act 2026, BVAS, the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) and other electoral procedures.
