Media, CSOs Launch Drive Against Election Misinformation Before Osun, 2027 Polls

A nationwide initiative tagged #CheckBeforeYouPost has been rolled out by media professionals, fact-checkers, and various civil society groups. This campaign aims to combat the spread of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, particularly as the Osun State governorship election and the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Those involved highlighted the increasing dangers posed by organized false narratives within Nigeria's information landscape. They warned that such narratives could compromise the integrity of elections, escalate political tensions, and diminish public confidence in the country's democratic structures.

These commitments were formalized in a communiqué released on Saturday, marking the conclusion of a three-day regional capacity-building workshop. The event, which took place in Lagos earlier in the week, focused on the theme: “Truth at the Ballot: Strengthening Media and Civil Society for Democratic and Peaceful Elections in Nigeria.” The workshop was a collaborative effort, organized by the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas in conjunction with FactCheckAfrica, and fell under the umbrella of the European Union Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project.

Attendees comprised a diverse group of professionals from the South-West and South-East geopolitical zones, including journalists, editors, media professionals, fact-checkers, representatives from civil society, digital rights advocates, researchers, and individuals active in promoting democracy. The communiqué noted that the proliferation of inaccurate information across digital platforms presents a significant hurdle, capable of swaying voter behavior and eroding trust in the electoral system.

The document emphasized that "Women, young people, persons with disabilities and minority groups remain the most vulnerable to online harassment, coordinated attacks and hate speech during election periods." It further stated that while Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers beneficial prospects for journalism and civic participation, it also introduces fresh hazards through synthetic media, doctored content, and automated misinformation drives. The communiqué highlighted that "Electoral misinformation increasingly exploits ethnic, religious, regional and political divisions, making proactive monitoring and rapid response mechanisms essential.”

The broader context for these efforts includes ongoing political developments, such as the Oyo APC forming a reconciliation committee for 2027, the Kwara APC mobilizing support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, and an Ondo senator's call for unity among aggrieved APC members ahead of the same elections.

Drawing from insights gained from past elections, the communiqué underscored that unchecked false narratives and hate speech have historically led to voter suppression, political unrest, and a decrease in public trust in democratic systems. Participants emphasized that a united front, involving journalists, fact-checkers, civil society organizations, technology companies, and electoral bodies, would be crucial for protecting the integrity of upcoming elections.

To fulfill their pledges, attendees committed to enhancing verification protocols within their various organizations, advocating for journalism rooted in evidence, and embedding fact-checking mechanisms into both news production and advocacy efforts. Furthermore, they agreed to utilize Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), reverse image search tools, geolocation methods, and AI-powered verification technologies to detect and combat the spread of incorrect information.

The communiqué also outlined participants' commitment to fostering peaceful, issue-focused, and inclusive electoral discussions leading up to the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections. They vowed to resist amplifying unsubstantiated electoral claims and narratives designed to create division. Other commitments included promoting gender-aware reporting, improving safety measures in newsrooms, organizing cascaded training for colleagues and local communities, and broadening initiatives aimed at media literacy.

In a bid to foster responsible information sharing, the #CheckBeforeYouPost campaign was formally endorsed by the participants. This campaign implores Nigerians to confirm the accuracy of information before posting, forwarding, or sharing any content on online platforms. Additionally, calls were made for media organizations to set up specialized verification desks and election-focused fact-checking systems. Development partners were also encouraged to maintain their support for programs that uphold information integrity, bolster democratic resilience, and ensure peaceful elections.