The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Election Observation Hub (EU-SDGN EOH) has urged the media to intensify efforts to counter fake news, misinformation and disinformation ahead of Saturday’s Osun Governorship election.
The group said; “the information environment remained vulnerable, particularly on social media, with disinformation and inflammatory political communication contributing to heightened political tension and voter intimidation.”
It made the call in its pre-election statement on Friday in Osogbo, the state capital, urging journalists and media organisations to verify information before publication.
Speaking at the briefing, the CEO of the TAF Africa Disability Hub, Jake Epelle warned that unverified information particularly claims relating to the integrity of the electoral process, could amplify tension and undermine public confidence in the election.
Mr Epelle called on the media to exercise greater responsibility in reporting election-related developments and to avoid amplifying false or misleading content.
The group also urged civil society organisations and regulatory bodies to intensify efforts to address the spread of fake news and inflammatory political communication.
According to the observation group, “the level of political tension has also been exacerbated by financial and material inducements in the run-up to the election.”
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sustain efforts to ensure that the election is free from financial inducement, political partisanship and other corrupt practices.
The group further called for evidence-based action to monitor and curb electoral offences, including arrests, investigation and prosecution where necessary, to serve as a deterrent.
The media were also urged to provide accurate information that would help voters make informed decisions and avoid content capable of escalating tension before, during and after the election.
The EU-SDGN EOH comprises the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), International Press Centre (IPC), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), TAF Africa, The Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa.
The organisations have deployed 843 election observers across Osun State ahead of the poll.
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