Fighting Misinformation During Elections

Misinformation — false or misleading information — is one of the biggest threats to elections in Nigeria. During election periods, social media is flooded with fake news, doctored images, and false claims designed to manipulate voters.

Types of Election Misinformation

Fake Results

• Doctored images of result sheets circulate on social media before official results are declared.
• These are designed to create the impression that a particular candidate is winning or losing.

False Statements Attributed to Candidates

• Fabricated quotes or videos (sometimes deepfakes) claiming a candidate said something they never said.
• Manipulated audio clips taken out of context.

False Information About the Voting Process

• Claims that elections have been postponed when they have not.
• False information about polling unit locations or voting times.
• Claims that certain groups are not allowed to vote.

Divisive Content

• Content designed to inflame ethnic, religious, or regional tensions.
• Unverified stories of violence intended to discourage voting.

How to Spot Misinformation

Check the Source

• Who shared this information? Is it from a verified, credible source?
• Official election information comes from INEC's verified accounts.

Check the Date

• Is this current, or is it old content being recycled? Old photos and videos are often re-shared during elections.

Check for Emotional Manipulation

• Is the content designed to make you angry, scared, or outraged? Misinformation often targets emotions.

Verify Before Sharing

• Use fact-checking organizations like Africa Check, Dubawa, and FactCheckHub.
• Cross-reference claims with multiple reputable news sources.
• When in doubt, do not share.

Look for Inconsistencies

• Check whether the fonts, colors, and layout on alleged official documents match INEC's actual formats.
• Listen carefully to audio clips for signs of editing or splicing.

What You Can Do

1. Do not share unverified information — Even if it supports your preferred candidate.
2. Report fake news — Use the reporting features on social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter/X, WhatsApp).
3. Correct misinformation gently — When you see friends or family sharing false information, provide them with the correct facts and sources.
4. Follow official channels — INEC's website, their social media accounts, and reputable news outlets.
5. Use MyPollingUnit — View citizen-submitted election results, read fact-based voter education articles, participate in community polls, and report incidents through the website or mobile app.

Remember

Misinformation thrives when people share without thinking. Before you forward that WhatsApp message or repost that tweet, ask yourself:

• Is this true?
• Is this helpful?
• Is this verified?

Be part of the solution. Share facts, not fiction.