The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC says 1,255 journalists from 94 media Houses have been accredited to cover the off cycle Governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa States.
INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this at the Quarterly consultative meeting with the media held at the Commission headquarters in Abuja.
Prof Yakubu who affirmed INEC commitment to work with relevant security agencies to ensure the protection of journalists on election duty, however raised concerns over the challenge of fake news as it affects the electoral process.
Responding on behalf of the Media Executives, the Director News, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, (FRCN), Hussaina Akila commend the commission for maintaining and sustaining relationship with the media.
On the issue of fake news, Alake said that the menace was challenging but assured that as responsible partners, the media will do everything to discourage the trend.
Other takeaways from the engagement includes the commission unrelenting disposition to the conduct of a free and fair credible election in the three states of Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo.
