The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says so far 43 media organisations have applied for accreditation for 363 personnel to cover forthcoming Anambra governorship election scheduled for 8 November.
INEC acting Chairperson, May Agbamuche-Mbu, stated this during the commission’s third regular quarterly meeting with media executives in Abuja on Wednesday.
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She advised other interested organisations yet to register to do so on time before the portal closes on 24 October, and called for the collaboration of the media to curb fake news and information on the governorship election
“The commission’s media accreditation portal for the Anambra governorship election was opened on 1 September, and as of this morning, we have received applications from 43 media organisations seeking accreditation for 363 personnel.
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“At this juncture, I wish to formally remind the media that the portal remains open until midnight on 24 October.
“I must stress that there shall be no extension of this deadline.
“We strongly urge all organisations and individuals who have applied to complete their accreditation process well in advance of this deadline,” she said.
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Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu urged journalists that would be accredited to carry out their essential work with utmost professionalism and sense of responsibility.
“You have a critical role to play as a bulwark against fake and misleading information throughout this electoral cycle.
“Please remember that the Commission’s doors are always open for verifications and clarification on any matter,” she said.
Mrs Agbamuche-Mbu expressed the commission’s commitment to deepening democracy through inclusive, transparent and credible electoral processes.
In his remarks the President, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahaya, commended INEC for sustaining its partnership and openness to the media, which he said had played an important role in the electoral process.
Mr Yahaya said that the media remained one of the most critical stakeholders in democracy — not only as observers but as facilitators of credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.
“Our duty is to ensure that citizens are well informed, that political actors are held accountable, and that the process is reported with accuracy, fairness, and responsibility,” he said
The NUJ president acknowledged INEC’s efforts to continuously improve electoral administration through technology, inclusivity, and transparency.
He, however, said that the reforms must be effectively communicated to the public, hence the need for effective collaboration between the commission and the media to combat misinformation, and ensure timely access to information from INEC.
“It is through our reports, analyses, and engagements that citizens develop trust and understanding of the system.
“As we approach future elections, it is imperative that the collaboration between INEC and the media be deepened,” she said.
INEC National Commissioner, Kenneth Ukeagu, updating the media executive on the commission’s preparations for the election, said that the commission was ready for the state election.
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He said that non-sensitive election materials were already deployed to the local government areas and batched for onward distribution.
Mr Ukeagu said that election would take place in all the polling units across the state except for two without registered voters.
According to him, INEC is already engaging security agencies for peaceful conduct of the election, and is confident of a secured environment in the state during the election
(NAN)
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