The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged journalists and media organisations to verify all election-related information before publication, warning that misinformation and disinformation could undermine the credibility of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, made the call during a dialogue with journalists and other stakeholders in Osogbo, organised by the International Press Centre under the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II programme.

Babalola said false information could create panic, suppress voter turnout, erode public confidence and trigger unnecessary tension. She urged journalists to rely on official sources, promptly correct inaccurate reports and collaborate with fact-checking organisations to counter false narratives.

She disclosed that INEC’s preparations for the governorship election were progressing in line with the Electoral Act, with the commission engaging political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, traditional and religious leaders, while also strengthening voter education, personnel training, election technology and logistics.

The REC described the media as a critical partner in the electoral process, urging journalists to provide accurate voter education, ensure balanced coverage of political parties and candidates, discourage hate speech and promote issue-based campaigns.

Babalola reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible election, stressing that peaceful and transparent polls require the collective efforts of the media, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and the electorate.