Osun 2026: IPC urges media to focus on issue-based reporting

The International Press Centre (IPC) has charged media professionals to focus on issue-based reporting ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State.

The IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade, made the call on Thursday at a Media and Election Stakeholders’ Interaction on Credible Poll in Osun State.

The election stakeholders’ interaction was organised by the IPC in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, ahead of the August 15, 2026 poll.

Arogundade said that credible election required collaboration among electoral stakeholders, including security agencies, media organisations, and civil society groups.

He added that the programme, supported by the European Union under EUSDGN II, was aimed at strengthening media profession, combating misinformation, and promoting inclusive electoral participation.

He stated that the Osun State governorship election would test the reforms under the Electoral Act, 2026 and significantly influence public confidence ahead of the 2027 general election.

According to him, threats of political violence, misinformation and voter intimidation could discourage participation, especially among women, youths, and persons with disabilities, unless collectively addressed by stakeholders.

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Dr. Akin Akingbulu, described the media as indispensable to credible election, urging journalists to provide accurate, ethical, and conflict-sensitive election coverage.

Akingbulu urged the media professionals to prioritise civic and voter education, verify information before publication, and resist political propaganda capable of undermining peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.

He also called for greater attention to women, youths, and persons with disabilities through balanced reporting that reflected their concerns and encouraged wider democratic participation during the election.

He urged electoral officials, security agencies, political parties, and journalists to remain transparent, impartial, and accountable in discharging responsibilities before, during, and after the poll.

Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urged journalists to provide balanced coverage, promote issue-based campaigns, educate voters on election procedures, and discourage hate speech and violence.

Babalola also charged journalists to verify election-related information before publication and rely on official sources, stressing collective responsibility for peaceful, credible, and transparent governorship election.