INEC opens media accreditation portal for June 20 by-elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has opened its online portal for the accreditation of media organisations and journalists who wish to cover the upcoming by-elections scheduled for Saturday, June 20.

In a notice issued on Friday, the commission said the registration portal, accessible via https://imap.inecnigeria.org, was officially opened on Wednesday, May 6, and will automatically close at midnight on Sunday, June 7.

INEC explained that the by-elections will be conducted across six states, covering senatorial districts, federal constituencies, and state constituencies.

The affected areas include Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State; Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State; and Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Nasarawa State.

Others are Ondo South Senatorial District in Ondo State, Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Rivers State, and Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State.

The electoral body stressed that there will be no extension of the accreditation deadline, urging media organisations to complete their registration before June 7.

According to INEC, only accredited journalists will be granted access to polling units, collation centres, and other official election venues during the exercise.

Applicants are required to upload a formal letter of introduction on their organisation’s letterhead, along with details and passport photographs of staff assigned for coverage.

The commission also stated that it reserves the right to deny accreditation to any media organisation or journalist whose identity or credentials cannot be verified.

INEC reiterated its commitment to a transparent, orderly, and professionally managed electoral process ahead of the by-elections.