BY CAROLINE AMEH
The Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned journalists and media organisations against spreading fake or unverified information ahead of the November 8, 2025, Anambra State Governorship Election.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun, mni, gave the warning yesterday at a media engagement forum held in Awka, Anambra State.
The event brought together editors, reporters, producers, and on-air personalities as part of INEC’s stakeholder consultations for the forthcoming election.
Olumekun described the media as the “oxygen of democracy,” stressing that journalists play a critical role in shaping public trust and ensuring credible elections.
He commended the media for its professional coverage during the recent Anambra by-election and urged practitioners to maintain the same standards of fairness and accuracy.
“The forum underscores INEC’s transparency and commitment to credible and inclusive elections,” he said.
“We all have a duty to stop the spread of false stories, manipulated videos, and unverified claims that can create unnecessary tension and erode public trust.”
He urged journalists to verify information before publication, adding, “Let truth remain your 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.”
Reaffirming INEC’s readiness for the poll, Olumekun said that all non-sensitive materials have been delivered to Anambra State, while sensitive materials would arrive shortly under tight security.
He announced that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise would be available for collection between Wednesday, October 22, and Sunday, October 26, 2025, at designated ward centres.
He cautioned that collection by proxy would not be permitted and urged media support in mobilising eligible voters to collect their PVCs.
Olumekun further reminded journalists that accreditation for coverage of the Anambra governorship election, which opened on September 1, would close at midnight on Thursday, October 24, 2025, with no room for extension.
Only accredited journalists, he said, would have access to election venues and facilities.
To enhance security and coordination, he disclosed that INEC has introduced a new barcode-based accreditation tag for journalists, allowing security agencies to instantly verify identities.
The list of accredited journalists, he added, would be shared with the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and security agencies for smooth coordination during result collation.
“The partnership between INEC and the media is not transactional, but foundational,” Olumekun stated.
“It is rooted in our shared mission to protect democracy through accurate information and credible communication. Together, let us ensure that the Anambra Governorship Election of 2025 becomes another milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, peaceful, transparent, and credible.”
