2023: Misinformation major threat to democracy – CJID

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has stressed the need to curb misinformation in the media space as it poses a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Executive Director, CJID, Tobi Oluwatola, at a conference of the Nigeria fact-checkers coalition in Abuja yesterday, said authoritarian actors in the forthcoming elections might weaponize misinformation to instigate fear and violence, hence the need to prioritize fact-checking in the media space.

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“The media needs to keep the public well enlightened and informed. Fact-check should be done before dissemination of any information as most of these instigators of false news aim to instigate fear, violence, voters’ apathy discredit candidates and the outcome of what might be a free and fair election,” he said.

He urged INEC to collaborate with the media to curb information disorder.

INEC Chairman, Mohammed Yakubu, represented by Esther Chibuikam, said free and fair election could not be guaranteed by INEC alone, hence other players must put their hands on deck

“INEC is working seriously to ensure a hitch free election, however the responsibility is not just on us. All hands must be on deck; the security agencies, the public, and the media must work together for a free and fair election in 2023,” he explained.

Dayo Olaide, Deputy Director, MacArthur Foundation, also stressed the need to implement sanctions, especially against politicians and political parties notorious for weaponizing misinformation for election purposes.