The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, has urged broadcasters to uphold fairness, accuracy, and impartiality in reporting ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Agboke made the call on Monday while delivering a keynote address at a one-day workshop organized by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Osun State.
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 electoral stakeholders.
The REC, who attended the event alongside members of the INEC Osun State management team, commended the NBC for organizing the workshop, describing it as timely. He emphasized the critical role of the media as a bridge between the electorate and the electoral process.
“Media platforms inform, educate, and influence citizens. Their responsibility during election periods cannot be overemphasized,” Agboke said, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) considers broadcasters strategic partners in ensuring credible, inclusive, and transparent elections.
Addressing the different phases of election coverage, Agboke outlined key expectations for media practitioners.
Ahead of the elections, he urged broadcasters to provide accurate information on electoral guidelines, timelines, voter registration processes, and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection.
He also stressed the need for equal access to media platforms for all political parties and warned against the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and unverified content.
During the elections, which he described as a sensitive period, the REC advised journalists to prioritize accuracy over speed. He cautioned against announcing unofficial results or projections and urged media outlets to avoid content capable of inciting tension.
He also encouraged broadcasters to support voter education, particularly on accreditation and voting procedures.
Following the elections, Agboke called for continued professionalism in reporting outcomes. He urged balanced coverage of electoral disputes and judicial processes, while promoting peace and national unity through responsible programming.
He reiterated that electoral integrity is a shared responsibility, noting that while INEC is constitutionally mandated to conduct elections, the success of the process largely depends on how information is disseminated to the public.
The workshop provided a platform for engagement between the electoral body and media practitioners, reinforcing the importance of responsible broadcasting in ensuring credible and peaceful elections in Osun State.
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