The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged the media to play an active role in sensitising Nigerians on their democratic rights, duties and responsibilities and generally broadening the base and frontiers of the electoral process.

The electoral body made the plea during an interaction with the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos on Wednesday.

The session themed, “Strengthening INEC/Media partnership for the consolidation of free, fair and credible, and inclusive elections” was organized by the commission in collaboration with the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) and International Press Centre (IPC).

In his welcoming speech, INEC National Commissioner, Barr Festus Okoye, stressed the need for free, fair, and credible elections to be viewed as shared responsibilities.

He said: “This interactive session is part of the continuing strategic engagement of the commission with the media aimed at better understanding its processes and procedures, partnering with the media in sensitizing Nigerians on their democratic rights, duties, and responsibilities and generally broadening the base and frontiers of the electoral process.

According to him, the commission gives priority to the media as the fourth estate of the realm.

He further said that it recognises the constitutional role conferred on the media to educate the citizens and provide them with adequate and relevant information to uphold their citizenship of the Nigerian state.

“The commission, however, is of the view that there are some irreducible minimums to a meaningful relationship, partnership, and engagement with the media.

“The media must understand clearly the constitutional and legal mission and mandate of the commission both as an umpire and a regulator.

“Delivering on free, fair, peaceful, safe, and credible elections must be seen and viewed as a shared responsibility and partnership between agencies, commissions, and branches of government and in this multi-stakeholder venture no one should be left behind.”

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Lagos State, Sam Olumekun, urged the citizenry to take advantage of the commission’s continuous voter registration exercise.

According to him, a credible voter register is a bedrock for free, fair, and credible elections.

On his part, INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, identified containing fake news as one major area the commission requires assistance.

According to him, INEC has continued to enjoy a cordial relationship with the media but purveyors of fake news with their sympathizers whose aim is to undermine the country’s electoral system take advantage of the free social media space and sometimes the traditional media to advance their interests and spread falsehood.

He however urged journalists to thoroughly investigate news items, noting: “When allegations get to you, please thoroughly investigate. After all, one of the tenets of the journalism profession is, “Fairness and objectivity”. I, therefore, implore you to always balance your stories,” he cautioned.