Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER — In a significant move towards ensuring transparent and credible elections, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), delivered a detailed presentation on the pivotal role of social media and the INEC News platform. The event took place at the forum for media executives, held in Benin City, Edo State, as part of the broader preparations for the upcoming 2024 Edo State Governorship Election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
During his address, Mr. Oyekanmi began by outlining the core functions of INEC, reaffirming the Commission's commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. He emphasized that INEC's mission is to ensure that every vote counts, thus reinforcing the pillars of Nigeria's democracy. He also reiterated the vision of INEC, which is to serve as an independent and effective election management body that guarantees electoral integrity.
A central theme of Mr. Oyekanmi's presentation was the role of social media in disseminating real-time information about electoral processes. He noted that platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have become indispensable tools for INEC in engaging with the electorate. These platforms enable the Commission to provide instant updates, correct misinformation swiftly, and ensure that accurate information reaches the public. Mr. Oyekanmi stressed that in the digital age, social media is crucial in enhancing transparency and fostering public confidence in the electoral process.
However, Mr. Oyekanmi also acknowledged the challenges associated with the use of social media. He pointed out that the rapid spread of fake news on these platforms can lead to confusion and erode public trust in the electoral process. He also mentioned that certain social media platforms have restrictions on the amount of information that can be posted at one time, which can hinder the comprehensive communication efforts of the Commission. This, he said, necessitates a careful and strategic approach to using these platforms.
In light of these challenges, Mr. Oyekanmi called on media professionals to collaborate closely with INEC to ensure the integrity of the information being shared. He urged them to verify information before dissemination and to use their platforms to promote accurate and unbiased reporting. This, he said, is essential in countering the spread of misinformation and in ensuring that the public remains well-informed about the electoral process.
Furthermore, Mr. Oyekanmi highlighted the importance of the INEC News platform as a reliable source for all election-related information. He encouraged the public to rely on this platform for updates, thereby avoiding the pitfalls of fake news and misinformation that are prevalent on unofficial channels.
The forum, which brought together media executives from across the country, is seen as a crucial step in the preparation for the Edo State Governorship Election. As the election date approaches, INEC’s engagement with the media and the public through platforms like social media is expected to play a vital role in ensuring that the election is conducted in a transparent, credible, and peaceful manner.
The 2024 Edo State Governorship Election, slated for September 21st, is anticipated to be a significant event in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, with the eyes of the nation watching closely. The efforts by INEC, as outlined by Mr. Oyekanmi, are geared towards ensuring that the electoral process is conducted smoothly, with the highest standards of integrity and public trust.
