As OOPA visits New Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola

The Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola has reaffirmed the Commission’s full cooperation with the media practitioners ahead of the August 15th governorship election in the State.

Mrs Babalola also assured that the Osun governorship election will be credible, free, inclusive and transparent. She assured the people of the state especially the media industry of smooth working relationship before, during and after the elections

The Osun INEC REC gave this assurance during a courtesy visit by the Osun Online Publishers Association, OOPA, to the INEC State Office, in Osogbo on Monday

While restating that the media is a critical stakeholder in elections, INEC and the society, she said, “If there is no media the society cannot be informed. And when it comes to election matters, there is misinformation and disinformation and the media is needed to correct these anomalies.”

She also assured that she will work with the media community to ensure a credible, free, fair, inclusive and transparent governorship election.

INEC needs the media for voter education and dissemination of accurate information on electoral activities.

She maintained that the media is an advocate of peaceful coexistence and tolerance in the society. She noted that INEC will play its part in the dissemination of information to the public.

While warning that tampering with election results attracts jail term with no option of fine she urged media practitioners and their organizations to register for accreditation so as to operate without restrictions on election day.

Mrs Babalola also disclosed that security agencies have assured of their full cooperation to protect lives and properties during the election period.

Earlier, the Chairman of OOPA, Abioye Lawrence who welcomed the Osun INEC REC to the state urged her to carry along the media practitioners and deliver credible elections on August 15.