By John Dike, Osogbo
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke has charged broadcasters to uphold professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in their coverage of the forthcoming governorship election.
Agboke gave the charge to the today while speaking as a guest lecturer at a one-day workshop on election coverage organised by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The workshop, themed “Upholding Principles of Fairness, Accuracy and Impartiality in Election Coverage: INEC’s Expectations from Broadcasters Before, During and After Elections,” brought together media professionals and key stakeholders in the electoral process.
The REC commended the NBC for organising what he described as a timely and strategic engagement, noting that the media remains a critical partner in the success of any democratic process.
He stressed that broadcasters serve as a vital link between the electorate and the electoral system, with the responsibility to inform, educate, and shape public opinion.
Represented alongside members of the management team, Agboke reiterated that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) views the media as a strategic ally in delivering credible, inclusive, and transparent elections that reflect the will of the people.
Speaking on INEC’s expectations, the REC outlined key responsibilities for broadcasters across the three phases of the electoral cycle.
Ahead of the elections, he urged media organisations to provide accurate and timely information on electoral guidelines, processes, and timelines.
He also emphasised the need for public enlightenment on voter registration, Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, and participation procedures.
Agboke further called for equal access to media platforms for all political parties and candidates, warning against the spread of misinformation and unverified content capable of misleading the public or inciting unrest.
During the elections, he described the role of broadcasters as highly sensitive, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over speed in reporting.
He cautioned against announcing unofficial results or projections outside authorised channels and advised media practitioners to maintain neutrality while avoiding content that could trigger tension or disrupt the peaceful conduct of the polls.
For the post-election period, the REC encouraged continued professionalism in reporting outcomes and related developments.
He highlighted the importance of balanced coverage of electoral disputes, petitions, and judicial processes, as well as the promotion of peace, unity, and democratic stability through responsible programming.
In his concluding remarks, Agboke stressed that the credibility of elections is a shared responsibility. While INEC is constitutionally empowered to conduct elections, he noted that the overall success of the process largely depends on responsible information dissemination by the media.
The workshop also provided an avenue for meaningful engagement between the electoral body and media practitioners, reinforcing the importance of ethical broadcasting in ensuring credible and peaceful elections in Osun State.
