INEC Chairman Warns On Misinformation In Electoral Systems

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, (SAN) has said even the strongest electoral systems could be undermined by misinformation, misinterpretation or deliberate distortion.

Amupitan spoke at the unveiling of a book titled: “The INEC Press Corps: Chronicles of Nigeria’s Election Journalists,” authored by INEC press corps chairman, Segun Ojumu, in Abuja yesterday.

He said the book reminded everyone that democracy stands or falls on public trust and urged journalists to always provide the on-ground verification which sustains confidence in the ballot.

He said,”The stories you tell, the accuracy you uphold, and the fairness you demonstrate play a critical role in ultimately legitimising election results.

At a time when false narratives can spread faster than the truth, your meticulous and professional documentation is needed more than ever before.

“As we navigate this period of intense electoral activity (from the FCT Area Council polls in February 2026 to the upcoming governorship contests in Ekiti and Osun), INEC remains committed to openness and accountability. We have intensified our engagement with stakeholders, strengthened our use of technology like BVAS and IReV, and deepened our collaboration with security agencies, civil society, and the media.

“Elections do not succeed on technology alone; they succeed when the public believes in the information they receive. The work documented in this book celebrates your decisive role in helping to shape the national understanding of the electoral process.”