By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has bemoaned the growing effects of fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speech on Nigeria’s political space, saying that they pose serious threat to the nation’s election process if not nipped in the bud.
The Commission’s views on fake news was articulate by INEC National Commissioner and Member, Information & Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Professor Kunle Ajayi in his speech at the Two-day Capacity Building for INEC Press Corp on Ethical, Safety Practices and Critical Issues Relating to the Kogi, Imo and Bayelsa Governorship Elections organized by INEC in partnership with the INEC Press Corp and Development Alternative Incorporated (DAI) in Akwanga, Nasarawa State on Monday.
Ajayi recalled that the Commission’s distasteful experience with fake news in the last 2023 General Elections has shown that if not checkmated, fake news can become the bane of election management in Nigeria.
The INEC National Commissioner lamented that elections today in Nigeria are perceived as very high-stakes game, so much so that some people negatively tag it as a “do or die affair”.
Said he: “I would like at this juncture, to draw the attention of all media representatives here present today (Monday) to a crucial issue that poses a serious threat to the election process in Nigeria, that is the issue of fake news.
“The Commission’s distasteful experience with fake news in the 2023 General Elections has shown that, if not nipped in the bud, fake news can become the bane of election management in Nigeria”.
Speaking further, Ajayi insists that the alarming prevalence of misinformation, ‘fake news’, hate speech, and the weaponization of disinformation has become very worrisome to the Commission.
“Disinformation is used to provoke religious, political, and tribal sentiments in an already polarized society such as ours, especially, during election season, which is often the leading cause of electoral violence and uprisings.
“The media space is one of the primary mechanisms for such electioneering dynamics, he said.
According to him: “The role of journalists is therefore particularly critical during election processes.
“The Media sector of the polity remains one of our critical stakeholders, such that we have over 100 members of INEC Press Corps from various media organizations in the country who cover the activities of the Commission regularly”.
He therefore, encouraged all participants to pay rapt attention to the workshop and contribute their diverse experiences from their agencies to this discussion.
“When necessary, feel free to fact-check any considered grey areas for clarity from the Voter Education and Publicity (VEP) Department of the Commission.
“Bayelsa and Kogi have pockets of flood-prone areas with high water levels, for those to be deployed to such areas, please endeavour to have your life jackets as part of your essential field gear” he noted.
Earlier in his Welcome Speech, the Chairman of the INEC Press Corp, Comrade Segun Ojumu stated that accurate and unbiased reporting is vital to ensure transparency, public trust, and the credibility of the electoral process, pointing out that it is essential that members of the INEC Press Corp are adequately equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to fulfil their roles effectively.
Ojumu said by improving their skills in ethical reporting and enhancing their safety awareness, the workshop will contribute to the overall integrity and fairness of the electoral process, saying the commitment of the Corp to professional and ethical reporting is essential to the success of our democracy.
Said he: “As you are aware, the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa scheduled for November 11 hold significant importance for INEC and the nation as a whole. READ ALSO:
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“This workshop will be a comprehensive training program designed to address the key issues faced by journalists covering elections. I am confident that this workshop will significantly contribute to the professionalism and effectiveness of the INEC Press Corps.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and the entire INEC management team for their support for this workshop. I would also like to thank the IVEC Chair and Directors and Deputy Directors, the DG of the Electoral Institute as well as the DAI, for their contributions”, Ojomu said.
