INEC URGES MEDIA TO APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION AHEAD OF AUGUST 16 BYE-ELECTIONS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on media organisations across print, broadcast, and digital platforms to expedite their applications for accreditation to cover the upcoming 2025 bye-elections, scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, by the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, the Commission revealed that as of 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, it had received only 12 applications representing 91 persons seeking accreditation a figure it described as “far below expectations.”

The Commission reminded interested media outlets that the online accreditation portal, accessible at https://imap.inecnigeria.org, opened on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and will close permanently at 12:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2025. It warned that late applications will not be entertained under any circumstances.

INEC emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the electoral process.

“Election coverage is a professional duty that contributes significantly to democratic consolidation,” the Commission stated.

For further enquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the Commission via the following helplines: 07088844564 or 08032861058.

INEC concluded by urging all media stakeholders to support the process through timely, balanced, and professional reporting of the elections.