2023: Fact-checkers caution against fake news, propaganda

The Nigerian Fact-checkers coalition, a body of different media organisations tackling misinformation in Nigeria, yesterday cautioned politicians against spreading fake news and propaganda ahead of the 2023 general elections.

In a statement, the coalition urged politicians to embark on issue-based campaigns, rather than spread misinformation capable of causing unrest in the country.

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The statement partly reads: “The election season is here, and the narratives are building up around candidates, political parties, and issues.

“As a result, the media, especially social media, is awash with loads of information aimed at pushing one political agenda or the other. 

“There are claims and counter-claims, some of which advance existing ethnic and religious narratives, and engender distrust among Nigerians.

“It is a fact that disinformation and influence peddling are threats to Nigerians having a credible election in 2023. We’ve already seen an increase in the circulation of misinformation that can sway public opinion about candidates and parties and influence voters. It’s a dangerous trend.”