Movement for Credible Elections tasks Media, Citizens on Safeguarding Osun Poll Integrity, Safety Conscious

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called on journalists, civil society organisations and citizens to play a more active role in monitoring the electoral process, documenting irregularities and ensuring that the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election reflects the genuine will of the people.

Speaking at an interactive session with journalists in Osun State ahead of the election, the MCE representative, Mr. Lanre Fadaunsi, stressed that credible elections are essential to producing competent and accountable leadership.

Fadaunsi warned that when elections are compromised through vote-buying, intimidation, manipulation or other irregularities, the consequences extend beyond the electoral process and can weaken democratic institutions and public confidence in government.

He urged journalists covering the election to remain professional, impartial and committed to facts, stressing that reporters must resist political inducement, propaganda, misinformation and pressure from political actors.

According to him, journalists should report what they personally observe at polling units and avoid making premature declarations about which candidate is leading based on results from only a few polling units.

Fadaunsi also urged media practitioners to document incidents of violence, voter intimidation, suppression and other electoral irregularities, noting that journalists’ reports could become important historical records for future generations.

Fadaunsi further condemned vote-buying, particularly the exploitation of poverty to influence voters, describing the practice as a threat to genuine democratic choice.

He argued that citizens should not be reduced to commodities whose votes can be purchased, stressing that the constitutional right of Nigerians to choose their leaders must be protected.

The MCE representative also emphasised the importance of citizen participation and monitoring, calling for a stronger national platform through which journalists and citizens can collectively observe elections and document developments across the country.

He said Nigeria has the human capacity to conduct elections that meet international standards, noting that Nigerians continue to excel in different fields around the world despite the country’s persistent challenges with electoral credibility.

Fadaunsi maintained that the 2026 Osun governorship election could provide an important test of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic development ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He therefore appealed to journalists to remain neutral, verify information before publication, give all political actors fair coverage and report electoral developments without fear or favour.

He said the ultimate responsibility of the media is to inform, educate and empower citizens while protecting the integrity of democracy.

Fadaunsi also outlined key points for journalists, including the need to report facts without assumptions or propaganda, reject political inducement, document electoral violence and voter suppression, and cooperate with other media organisations in sharing verified information.

He stressed that credible elections produce legitimate leadership and that transparent elections are more likely to produce leaders chosen on competence and public mandate.

He further emphasised that citizens have a role to play in actively monitoring elections and reporting irregularities through appropriate channels, and that the Osun 2026 election matters beyond the state as it could provide lessons for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Also speaking at the event, veteran journalist Mr. Kayode Adedire, popularly known as Sir Kay, called on journalists to be safety conscious during election coverage.

Adedire recounted experiences he had covering elections since 1979 and cautioned against carelessness and negligence among other things.

He advised reporters to remain alert, avoid dangerous situations and withdraw when their safety is threatened, while maintaining accuracy, neutrality and professionalism throughout the electoral process.

The MCE representative reiterated that journalists must work together and give all political actors fair coverage while reporting developments without fear or favour.

Fadaunsi concluded that the central message to journalists is to maintain truth from beginning to end, ensuring accuracy and professionalism throughout the electoral process.