Media and CSOs Launch Campaign Against Election Misinformation

Media and civil society organizations in Nigeria have initiated the "CheckBeforeYouPost" campaign to address the rising threat of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech ahead of the Osun State governorship election in 2027. This effort is part of a broader initiative to enhance the integrity of the electoral process and foster public trust in democratic institutions.

A three-day capacity-building workshop was held in Lagos, focusing on the theme "Truth on the Ballot," with participation from journalists, media practitioners, and civil society representatives. The workshop was organized by Fundación para la Internacionalización de la Administración Pública in partnership with FactCheckAfrica and supported by the European Union and ECOWAS.

The communiqué issued at the end of the workshop emphasized the need for proactive monitoring and rapid response mechanisms to counter misinformation, particularly during election periods. It also highlighted the vulnerability of specific groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, to online harassment and misinformation campaigns.