Fake News and Hate Speeches threatens the Conduct of Polls in Nigeria, says INEC
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that fake news and hate speeches are threatening the conduct of polls in Nigeria.
The electoral body recalled its bitter experience of hate speech, weaponization of disinformation and dissemination of fake information in the conduct of the 2023 polls.
INEC National Commissioner, Professor Kunle Ajayi who stated this during a capacity building workshop organized for the INEC press corps in Abuja, said the trend was becoming more worrisome of the electoral body.
He said that election related disinformation was now being used by some individuals and groups to score advantage ahead and during polls.
The INEC National Commissioner, in his speech, said, “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.
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“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.
The INEC National Commissioner also said fake and hate speeches are also being used to provoke religious and tribal sentiments, which had already polarized the country.
“The media space is one of the primary mechanisms for such electioneering dynamics.
“The role of journalists is therefore particularly critical during election processes”, he said.
Continuing, Prof Ajayi said, “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.
“Beyond voter and civic education, the Commission frequently consults the media ahead of the formulation of policies and during the implementation of activities to keep you abreast of the happenings in the electoral system as well as in the Commission”, he said.
