INEC misinformation workshop begins in Nasarawa as the commission prepares to counter false information ahead of the 2027 elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has commenced a two-day capacity-building workshop for staff of its Voter Education and Publicity Department, aimed at strengthening strategic communication and countering misinformation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
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The workshop, which began on Wednesday in Keffi, focuses on improving media monitoring, public engagement, and response mechanisms in an evolving information environment shaped by digital platforms and emerging technologies.
In a statement issued on the commission’s official X page, Mr Wilfred Ifogah, Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, represented the Director, Mrs Victoria Eta-Messi, and described the training as timely as INEC intensifies preparations for electoral activities in 2026 and beyond.
Ifogah said the programme had been conceived before the last general elections but was delayed due to operational demands.
He stressed that the spread of false information, amplified by artificial intelligence and digital tools, poses a growing threat to electoral integrity.
“We must be proactive in monitoring the media space, responding effectively to false narratives, and protecting the integrity of the electoral process,” Ifogah said, urging participants to share practical experiences and adopt collaborative approaches.
He added that interdepartmental cooperation within INEC and sustained engagement with external stakeholders remain critical to building public trust and ensuring credible elections.
The training is being organised in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.
Ms Judith Toryem, Project Manager for IFES Nigeria, led participant introductions, while Mr Obaje Ukeh, IFES Kenya Country Director and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Nigeria, delivered a session on strategic communication, public perception, and social media use in electoral contexts.
Ukeh noted that effective information management plays a decisive role in shaping public confidence during electoral cycles.
INEC said the workshop is expected to strengthen staff capacity to navigate the complex information landscape and enhance public confidence in future elections.
In a related development, the commission warned Nigerians to disregard an article circulating online claiming that INEC had released the timetable for the 2027 General Elections.
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The commission described the report as false, stressing that no official schedule or dates have been announced.
