Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified fake news and misinformation as possible impediment to the country’s forth coming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states on November 11th.
The Chairman of (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who expressed the fear on Monday, noted that the commission is “conscious of the critical role of the media in our political and electoral process” but that “a free and vibrant press is also obliged to adhere to professional and ethical standards”.
Prof. Yakubu, who was represented by a National Commissioner and Chair of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun specifically warned against the use of “abusive language directly or indirectly likely to injure religious, ethnic, tribal, or sectional feelings” in political campaigns. He also reminded the media of their constitutional obligations to provide equal coverage and visibility to all political parties.
The reservation from INEC came at a workshop in Nigeria’s north central state of Nasarawa.
The INEC’s reservation came at a time when there was growing concerns about the spread of fake news and misinformation in Nigeria, particularly on social media. In recent years, there have been a number of high-profile cases of fake news being used to manipulate public opinion and sow discord.
“In the lead-up to the 2023 general election, INEC introduced a number of measures to combat the spread of fake news, including partnering with social media companies to remove false information from their platforms. However, the commission has acknowledged that it is facing an uphill battle against the spread of misinformation”.
INEC has called on political parties, candidates, and the media to play their role in ensuring that the off-cycle elections are conducted in a free and fair manner. The commission has also urged the public to be critical of the information they consume and to only share information from reputable sources.
Speaking also, a national Commissioner and Member of the Information and Voter Education Committee Prof. Kunle Ajayi urged Nigerian media to be ethical and avoid fake news in the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa states.
According to him, the media plays a critical role in the electoral process, but that it is important for journalists to be objective and unbiased in their reporting. He warned against the spread of fake news and inflammatory and sensational news, which could incite violence or endanger social life.