
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC says deliberate measures had been put in place to ensure election results were not manipulated.
The Commission also stated that the period for registration of new political parties had elapsed.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood stated these at a town hall meeting and capacity building of Editors organized by the Nigeria Guild of Editors in Abuja.
Represented by the National Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, the INEC Chairman said portals had been introduced for domestic and international observers as well as the media.
The INEC Chairman urged the media to study the electoral act, and name and shame those that deploy violence during election processes.
He said that new voters cards would be printed and taken to those at the Internally Displaced Centers.
The President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr. Mustapha Isah emphasized the need for a strong and independent media, emphasizing that the media play important role in shaping the society.
The Chairman of the event, Mr. Tony Akiotu the task of the electoral process must be supported by all stakeholders.
The Actionaid representative, Mrs Ene Obi emphasized the need for more content and training of Journalists.
The Executive Director of an NGO, Yiaga Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo commended the role of the media towards the signing of the electoral bill, but, stressed that INEC must be protected from undue interference from Government to safeguard it’s independence.
The theme of the event is: ” Assessing Media Performance in Consolidating Nigeria’s Democracy: Citizens’ Verdict and Outlining an Agenda for the Future”.
Sandra Udeike