The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the accreditation of 112 media organizations in preparation for the Ondo State governorship election scheduled for November 16.
INEC Chairman Yakubu Mahmood disclosed this information during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, stating that the accreditation process will facilitate the deployment of over 700 journalists, technicians, and support personnel for effective coverage of the election.
“The Commission is glad to announce the accreditation of 112 national and international media organizations—including newspapers, radio, television, and online platforms—who will deploy more than 700 personnel to facilitate their coverage of the election,” Mahmood said.
He added that a detailed breakdown of the accredited media organizations and the personnel numbers would be uploaded to INEC’s website and social media platforms for public access.
Mahmood urged the media professionals to ensure factual reporting, emphasizing the crucial role they play in fostering a peaceful electoral process.
“I appeal to the media to intensify your accurate reportage that will ensure peaceful elections, especially now that campaigning 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,” he stated.
Earlier, INEC reported that 72 percent of registered voters had collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Furthermore, Yakubu announced that a mock accreditation exercise would take place on November 6 in selected polling units to test result uploads on its result viewing portal.
He also indicated that INEC would partner with security agencies to prevent any disruptions during the election, acknowledging the presence of flashpoints in certain local government areas that had already been brought to the attention of security authorities.
