Nigerian media outlets published fake news without attempting to verify - INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accused several media organisations of publishing fake news and misinformation without verification.

The electoral commission said this on Tuesday in Akwanga, Nasarawa, while calling for a stronger collaboration with the media during a two-day capacity workshop ahead of the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa governorship elections.

According to the chief press secretary to the INEC chair, Rotimi Oyekanmi, misinformation and fake news were among the major challenges INEC faced during the Presidential and Governorship elections held on February and March elections.

He noted that as a result of the trend, democracy was threatened and it was not limited to social media.

“Some conventional mediums also fell for the fake news or misinformation that emanated from the social media,” Mr Oyekanmi said.

In his explanation, he claimed that some citizens and social media influencers used their platforms to spread fake news regarding the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards and the recruitment of staff for INEC.

He was of the view that several journalists fell for those fake news because of sentiments and individual prejudices instead of reporting on facts without taking sides on every matter including the electoral process.

“We had many situations where fake news got published without any form of verification. No questions asked about their authenticity,” Mr Oyekanmi said.

“Facts are sacred. It is fundamentally important to present accurate and verifiable information. Journalists have a responsibility to report facts without distorting them to fit a particular narrative,” Mr Oyekanmi explained.

“The public relies on the media for truthful accounts of events.”

He further called for a strong collaboration between INEC and the media, saying it was critical for a proactive approach to curbing fake news, disinformation and misinformation.

Oyekanmi urged the media to be factual, objective, truthful and fair in their reports on the electoral process.

“Conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections is a collective responsibility. INEC will continue to provide the media with access to the relevant information it requires,” Mr Oyekanmi said.