Itodo: Media reporting polling results is oversight, not declaration
Election analyst Samson Itodo clarifies the critical distinction between media reporting of polling unit results and INEC's exclusive constitutional authority to declare winners. Writing in Premium Times, Itodo argues that once INEC announces results at polling units, they become public information — and media aggregation of these figures serves as vital democratic oversight, not premature declaration.
The IReV portal was designed to deepen transparency by making polling unit results accessible in real-time. Independent reporting creates a protective layer: when results are already documented publicly, it becomes harder for political actors to manipulate outcomes during collation, strengthening INEC's resistance to pressure.
However, Itodo emphasizes that reporting results differs fundamentally from declaring winners. INEC alone determines whether constitutional thresholds are met — such as the 25% vote requirement across two-thirds of states (presidential) or LGAs (governorship). Collation adjustments for over-voting, cancelled units, or disrupted elections can alter final tallies.
False or misleading results undermine trust and attract sanctions. But responsible analysis of officially announced figures enhances accountability without encroaching on INEC's mandate. All actors — media, civil society, observers — must operate with integrity, accuracy, and professional ethics throughout the results management process.
For citizens tracking elections: understand that media tallies are transparency tools, not final verdicts. The winner is only official when INEC declares.