EKITI ELECTION:INEC, Media Unite for Credible Ekiti Polls
...Says BVAS, IReV to Block Multiple Voting – Journalists Charged to Guard Against Fake Results
By Olugbolade Ogboro-Cole
ADO-EKITI – JIROLTV News
With Ekiti State’s governorship election around the corner, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured voters of its readiness to deliver a transparent and credible process. Meeting with media stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, the Commission unveiled measures to curb malpractice, stressing that technology and responsible journalism will be the twin pillars of success.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, highlighted the deployment of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines to ensure that only accredited voters cast ballots. He also emphasized the use of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to prevent illegal posting of results by individuals or political parties. “BVAS will eliminate multiple voting, while IReV will guarantee that results are visible to all in real time. These innovations are our shield against manipulation,” Haruna said.
The forum charged journalists to act as watchdogs, reporting any malpractice at polling units and resisting the lure of sensationalism. Ekiti’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, warned that fake news and doctored videos could destabilize the process, urging the media to verify information before publication. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti Council, also announced new structures to hold online publishers accountable, ensuring ethical reporting across platforms.
While INEC expressed confidence in its preparations, Haruna reminded stakeholders that voter apathy remains a lingering threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He noted that turnout has dropped drastically nationwide, weakening legitimacy. “Technology alone cannot save democracy. Citizens must show up, and the media must help mobilize them,” he added.
With over one million registered voters in Ekiti, INEC insists that the June 20 election will be peaceful, credible, and transparent—if stakeholders play their part.
He also noted that PVCs are ready for collection and their will not be collection by proxy and a credible means of identification must be provided for the collection.
He explained that while BVAS will accredit, IReV will secure results he urged the media to guard the process by reporting any form of malpractices at any polling units they find themselves.
He confused by urging the public to turnout in mass to perform their franchise and there will be adequate security as security personnel will be fully on ground.
