The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has urged journalists and media organisations to verify every election-related claim before publication, describing disinformation and misinformation as major threats to the credibility of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Oluwatoyin Babalola, gave the charge on Thursday during a dialogue and interactive forum with journalists and critical stakeholders organised by the International Press Centre, IPC, under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II, EU-SDGN II, programme in Osogbo.
Speaking on the theme, ‘INEC’s Preparations, the Media’s Role in Voter Education, and Countering Electoral Disinformation and Misinformation Ahead of the 2026 Osun State Governorship Election’, Babalola said false information could create unnecessary panic, suppress voter turnout, damage public confidence and trigger avoidable tensions.
She urged journalists to remain vigilant by verifying election-related claims, relying on official information from INEC and other authorised institutions, promptly correcting inaccurate reports and working with fact-checking organisations to debunk false narratives.
According to her, “One of the greatest threats to credible elections today is the deliberate spread of false information. Disinformation and misinformation can create unnecessary panic, suppress voter turnout, damage public confidence, and trigger avoidable tensions.”
The REC said preparations for the governorship election were progressing in line with the Electoral Act, INEC Regulations and Guidelines, as well as established operational procedures.
She explained that the commission had continued to engage political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, traditional and religious leaders, and the media while strengthening voter education, training election personnel, testing election
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