Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has activated its online portal to accredit media organisations and journalists intending to cover the by-elections scheduled for Saturday, June 20.
The commission issued a notice on Friday stating that journalists can access the registration portal at https://imap.inecnigeria.org.
The portal was officially opened on Wednesday, May 6. It will automatically shut down at midnight on Sunday, June 7.
The commission noted that by-elections would be held in six states. These cover various federal and state constituencies and senatorial districts.
The affected areas include Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State, covering Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, and Udenu local government areas; Dawaki Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, comprising Dawaki Kudu and Warawa local government areas; and Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Nasarawa State, which includes Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, and Wamba local government areas.
Others are the Ondo South Senatorial District in Ondo State. Rivers South-East Senatorial District in Rivers State and Zuru State Constituency in Kebbi State are also included.
INEC emphasised that there would be no extension of the application deadline, urging media houses to ensure their submissions are completed well before the June 7 deadline.
According to the commission, only accredited media representatives will be allowed. They can access polling units, collation centres, and other INEC facilities during the elections. Applicants must upload a formal letter of introduction on their organisation’s letterhead. They also need to include the particulars and passport photographs of the staff they intend to deploy.
It further clarified that it reserves the right to withhold accreditation. This applies to any organisation or journalist whose professional identity cannot be verified. The commission reiterated its commitment to a transparent and well-coordinated electoral process.