Media Must Consolidate Efforts Against Disinformation Ahead of 2027 Elections – IPC, Experts
Oru Leonard
Media practitioners have been urged to play a frontline role in safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections by combating misinformation, strengthening voter education and closely monitoring the implementation of the newly amended Electoral Act 2026.
The call was made during a webinar on “Journalism and the Electoral Act (2026)” organised by the Daily Trust Foundation (DTF) in collaboration with the International Press Centre (IPC), where electoral experts and journalists examined the implications of the new law for election coverage and democratic accountability.
Executive Director of IPC, Lanre Arogundade, said the media remains central to promoting transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process, describing journalists as a vital bridge between electoral institutions and the public.
Speaking on the broader impact of the reforms, Sam Oguche of Yiaga Africa said the Electoral Act 2026 has the potential to strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system if effectively implemented.
He described the media as a critical stakeholder in electoral governance through accurate reporting, voter education, fact-checking and informed public engagement.
“The credibility of the 2027 General Election will not be determined on election day alone. It is being shaped today in our newsrooms, political parties, institutions, courtrooms and digital platforms,” he said.
Oguche called on media organisations to establish dedicated election desks, strengthen fact-checking units and invest in continuous training for journalists on electoral laws and election reporting.
He also urged newsrooms to develop reporting protocols for Artificial Intelligence-generated content and deepfakes, warning that emerging technologies could become significant tools for electoral manipulation.
The webinar concluded with presentations on election reporting ethics and journalist safety by IPC, which advised media practitioners to conduct risk assessments before assignments, remain impartial and resist inducements that could compromise professional standards.
Another presentation at the webinar was delivered by Nkiru Uzodi, Programme Manager for Legislative and Gender Issues at the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), who warned that the amended Electoral Act introduces new procedures, obligations and timelines that could trigger disputes and confusion if not properly understood.
According to her, journalists must move beyond routine event reporting and help citizens understand the practical implications of the law, identify emerging risks and hold institutions accountable.
“The amended law shifts pressure to earlier stages of the electoral process, creating several flashpoints that require close media attention,” she noted.
Uzodi identified election timetables, party membership registers, candidate nominations, qualification disputes, result reviews, result transmission processes, campaign conduct and election litigation as critical areas requiring sustained scrutiny.
She highlighted controversies surrounding the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to issue and revise election schedules, warning that inaccurate reporting of court decisions and legal proceedings could mislead political parties, aspirants and voters.
The webinar also examined new provisions governing political party membership registers, noting that only individuals captured in officially submitted party registers would be eligible to participate in party primaries under the revised legal framework.
Participants were further advised to pay close attention to INEC’s expanded authority to review election results declared under duress or in breach of established collation procedures.
Uzodi urged journalists to verify election-related claims through official result sheets, collation documents and the INEC Result Viewing Portal before publishing reports.
She also warned about the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation, particularly in relation to election results, court orders and candidate eligibility disputes.
The webinar concluded with presentations on election reporting ethics and journalist safety by IPC, which advised media practitioners to conduct risk assessments before assignments, remain impartial and resist inducements that could compromise professional standards.
Participants agreed that while the Electoral Act 2026 provides a stronger legal framework for elections, the credibility of the 2027 polls will depend largely on the actions of electoral institutions, political parties, the judiciary, civil society organisations and the media.
