The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has accredited 721 journalists from 114 media organisations to cover the upcoming Edo governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
This was disclosed by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, on Monday.
Olumekun revealed that media organisations successfully uploaded the details of their personnel to cover the election and that INEC had begun issuing identification tags to the accredited journalists.
The tagging exercise took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Edo State.
He further announced that the full list of accredited personnel has been published on INEC’s website and social media platforms for public reference.
Olumekun assured all accredited media and observer groups of unrestricted access to polling and collation centers, provided they comply with the commission’s guidelines.
The commissioner urged media professionals to adhere strictly to ethical codes and INEC’s regulations during the election coverage.
Ahead of the election, the Edo State Police Command has promised to maintain professionalism, impartiality, and objectivity in their conduct.
News About Nigeria reported that Governor Godwin Obaseki, during a rally in Ekemwan for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declared the election a do-or-die affair for the state.
He cautioned against electoral malpractice, highlighting the progress made in the state during his tenure and urging citizens to vote for the PDP candidate.
“The person I took over from had no respect for our people, had no respect for women, encouraged prostitution and women trafficking.
“When I took over office our pensioners wore black on Labour Day, but today they wear white.
“When I took office, our youths had no jobs, but today don’t they have jobs? After eight years, is Edo not one of the safest in Nigeria?
“This election is a do or die; if they do, we will die. Next Saturday by this time, vote for PDP to become the next governor.”
