Elections: Report what you see, INEC has nothing to hide, Yakubu charges media professionals

<p>The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has charged media organisations and professionals to report what they see during an election while declaring that the Commission has nothing to hide.</p>, <p>Yakubu made the declaration during the Commission’s 2023 post-election review meeting with media executives in Lagos on Wednesday.</p>, <p>While also tasking the media with constructive criticism, he described media organisations and executives as critical partners and stakeholders whose role in an election goes beyond voter and civic education.</p>, <p>The INEC boss pledged the commission’s continued engagement with the media organisations as well as the Guild of Editors, Guild of Online Publishers, Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria and the Newspaper Proprietors of Nigeria.</p>, <p>He said, “Like previous elections, diverse opinions have been expressed about the conduct of the 2023 general elections. Such opinions are expected and the Commission welcomes them all so far their purpose is to improve the conduct of the election and consolidate our democracy.</p>, <p>“So at this stage, I will like to urge all of you to feel free to critically evaluate the elections and I assure all of you of our readiness to go back to the drawing board.</p>, <p>“We want you to be critical of the elections and the commission will appreciate such criticism. So please be as creative as you can be and also offer some suggestions so that we would continue to improve on the process.</p>, <p>“There is a long-standing partnership between the commission and the media. As I informed a similar meeting with the media was held in Abuja last week. You remain a critical partner and stakeholder. Beyond voter and civic education, we consult the media ahead of the formulation of policies or the implementation of our activities.</p>, <p>“Media organisations are also accredited to cover the elections and electoral activities. Beyond that, we are convinced that you are citizens first and foremost befo