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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting the credibility of Nigeria’s elections from the growing threat of misinformation and disinformation.
The pledge came as INEC took part in a two-day regional workshop in Abuja on “Protecting Elections in the Information Environment,” which brought together electoral stakeholders from across Africa.
INEC’s delegation was led by Aminetu Shiaka, an Assistant Director in the ICT Department, and included Makanjuola Taiwo, Patience George, and Otu Fidelia Udumma. The team made significant contributions, drawing on Nigeria’s experiences and outlining the Commission’s proactive steps in addressing the digital challenges facing elections.
Shiaka emphasised the critical link between technology and electoral integrity, stressing the importance of shielding election information systems from manipulation. Makanjuola Taiwo highlighted how false narratives have disrupted past elections in Nigeria, serving as warnings for the future.
Patience George called for Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) to remain proactive in countering disinformation, noting INEC’s collaborations with key stakeholders to protect the electoral space. Meanwhile, Fidelia Udumma stressed the urgent need to build public trust, warning that misinformation now spreads largely through social media, where it has the potential to inflame divisions and weaken democratic institutions.
Workshop participants agreed that regional cooperation is essential, given the transnational nature of threats to electoral integrity. INEC’s representatives reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to adopt innovative strategies to enhance transparency, strengthen electoral resilience, and protect democracy in the digital age.
The forum was organised by International IDEA in collaboration with the African Union (AU) and the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), with support from the EU-funded SPEC project. It addressed pressing issues including cyber threats, reputational attacks, and the manipulation of information in elections
