Features
INEC issues stern warning against disinformation ahead of Anambra polls
Written By: Alaba Lambert
04 Nov 2025 05:54 AM
Awka, Anambra – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning against the spread of disinformation as the Anambra State Governorship Election approaches on Saturday, November 8, 2025, urging media outlets, political parties, and civil society groups to promote accurate reporting and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
In a statement released on Monday, INEC emphasized that false information could undermine public trust and disrupt the smooth conduct of the election. The Commission called for collective responsibility to ensure only verified facts circulate in the final days leading to the polls.
“With less than a week to the election, disinformation remains a major threat to the credibility of the process,” the statement read, noting, “We urge all stakeholders to refrain from spreading unverified claims and to prioritize truth in their communications.”
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, reinforced the warning during a strategic meeting with electoral officials in Awka, stressing that the Commission would not tolerate actions that could incite confusion or violence.
“The integrity of this election depends on the accuracy of information shared with the public,” Prof. Amupitan said, adding, “We implore the media, political actors, and observers to be guardians of truth. The eyes of the world are on Anambra.”
As part of its preparedness, INEC confirmed that 2,802,790 voters have been cleared to participate following a thorough data cleanup that removed 27,817 multiple registrations. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been fully configured across 5,718 polling units, and non-sensitive materials have been distributed to all 21 Local Government Areas.
Prof. Amupitan directed that voting must commence promptly at 8:30 a.m. across all polling units, warning staff against any form of logistical failure.
INEC also assured that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants, transfers, and replacements will be available for collection before election day.
In a related development, 14 out of 171 associations seeking political party registration have advanced to the next verification stage, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
As tensions rise in the buildup to the election, INEC’s call for responsible information sharing has been welcomed by observers who note that past elections in Nigeria have been marred by fake news and inflammatory rhetoric.
With security tightened and sensitive materials set for final distribution, the Commission remains firm: a free, fair, and transparent election in Anambra hinges not just on logistics—but on the truth.
In a statement released on Monday, INEC emphasized that false information could undermine public trust and disrupt the smooth conduct of the election. The Commission called for collective responsibility to ensure only verified facts circulate in the final days leading to the polls.
“With less than a week to the election, disinformation remains a major threat to the credibility of the process,” the statement read, noting, “We urge all stakeholders to refrain from spreading unverified claims and to prioritize truth in their communications.”
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, reinforced the warning during a strategic meeting with electoral officials in Awka, stressing that the Commission would not tolerate actions that could incite confusion or violence.
“The integrity of this election depends on the accuracy of information shared with the public,” Prof. Amupitan said, adding, “We implore the media, political actors, and observers to be guardians of truth. The eyes of the world are on Anambra.”
As part of its preparedness, INEC confirmed that 2,802,790 voters have been cleared to participate following a thorough data cleanup that removed 27,817 multiple registrations. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been fully configured across 5,718 polling units, and non-sensitive materials have been distributed to all 21 Local Government Areas.
Prof. Amupitan directed that voting must commence promptly at 8:30 a.m. across all polling units, warning staff against any form of logistical failure.
INEC also assured that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants, transfers, and replacements will be available for collection before election day.
In a related development, 14 out of 171 associations seeking political party registration have advanced to the next verification stage, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
As tensions rise in the buildup to the election, INEC’s call for responsible information sharing has been welcomed by observers who note that past elections in Nigeria have been marred by fake news and inflammatory rhetoric.
With security tightened and sensitive materials set for final distribution, the Commission remains firm: a free, fair, and transparent election in Anambra hinges not just on logistics—but on the truth.
Comments