Concern Over Misinformation and Disinformation in Nigeria Ahead of Elections

Nigeria – The Safeguarding Online Civic Space group has urged the media to protect the online space ahead of the 2023 general elections. The group emphasized the importance of combating misinformation and disinformation, which can distort information and lead to negative perceptions of Nigeria by the international community.

Chaired by Funmi Akinyele, the youth-led group is engaging with government agencies, civil society, and the general public to protect the online civic space and promote proper enlightenment and education on civic rights regarding the general elections.

The group called on the media to support their efforts by combatting voter misinformation and disinformation, improving voter and civic education, and generating evidence regarding the openness and integrity of the digital civic space while tracking the political and economic environment. It also highlighted the need to safeguard the digital civic space to enhance the integrity of the electoral process, particularly with the use of digital tools.