#ROADTO2027: RALLY FOR PEACEFUL ELECTION CALLS FOR RESPONSIBLE DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT AND FACT-CHECKING AHEAD OF 2027

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 “STOP • CHECK • VERIFY • SHARE” – Stakeholders Warn Against Misinformation, AI-Generated Content and Digital Manipulation

Benin City, Edo State | 22 September 2026

The Rally for Peaceful Election, through its #RoadTo2027 Nigeria Elections Issues & Concerns Dialogue Series, has called on Nigerians, journalists, political actors, civil society organizations and social-media users to take greater responsibility for the information they create, receive and share ahead of the 2027 General Elections. The call was made during Episode 4 of the weekly virtual dialogue series, held on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, with the theme:

“Media, Social Media, Fake News and Election Integrity”

The discussion focused on misinformation, disinformation, AI-generated content, responsible journalism, digital campaigns and fact-checking, and examined how the rapidly changing information environment could affect public confidence, peaceful participation and electoral integrity.

Speaking during the session, Sunday Elom an Investigative Journalist emphasized the responsibility of journalists and media organizations to prioritize accuracy over speed, noting the potential consequences of publishing unverified information during sensitive electoral periods.

The discussion also examined the growing challenge posed by artificial intelligence, including manipulated photographs, videos and audio that can appear authentic despite being fabricated.

A practical demonstration discussed during the session illustrated how an AI-generated image could falsely portray an individual as representing Nigeria at an international event. Participants noted that similar technology could potentially be used during elections to fabricate statements by candidates, create false reports of violence, manipulate political images or spread false information at critical moments.

MISINFORMATION IS ALSO A PEACE AND SECURITY ISSUE

The dialogue emphasized that misinformation should not be treated solely as a media or technology problem. False reports of killings, attacks, electoral fraud, ballot destruction or candidate withdrawal can create fear, anger and confusion and may contribute to tensions or violence. The Rally for Peaceful Election therefore considers information integrity an important component of electoral peacebuilding and election integrity.

Participants called for stronger collaboration among journalists, media organizations, electoral institutions, civil society organizations, technology experts, political actors and citizens to identify and address harmful false information.

A CALL TO EVERY NIGERIAN: STOP • CHECK • VERIFY • SHARE

The dialogue encouraged every citizen to become a responsible participant in the information ecosystem. Before sharing election-related information, citizens are encouraged to:

STOP – Do not react or forward immediately.

CHECK – Examine the source, date, context and original publication.

VERIFY – Confirm the claim through credible and independent sources, including relevant official institutions.

SHARE – Share only when reasonably satisfied that the information is authentic and responsible to disseminate.

Citizens were particularly encouraged to exercise caution with AI-generated photographs, videos, audio recordings, screenshots and sensational political claims.

THE RALLY'S CALL TO ACTION

The Rally for Peaceful Election calls on:

JOURNALISTS AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS to verify before publishing, provide context, correct errors promptly and prioritize accuracy over the pressure to be first.

SOCIAL-MEDIA USERS to stop forwarding unverified information and to think critically before liking, reposting, commenting on or amplifying potentially harmful content.

POLITICAL ACTORS AND SUPPORTERS to reject inflammatory and deliberately misleading content and promote issue-based and peaceful political communication.

CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS to strengthen media literacy, fact-checking, community sensitization and monitoring of election-related information.

ELECTORAL INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES to provide timely, accessible and authoritative information to reduce information gaps that can create opportunities for misinformation.

YOUNG PEOPLE AND DIGITAL CONTENT CREATORS to use their platforms responsibly and become advocates for accurate information and peaceful democratic participation.

OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY

The Rally for Peaceful Election emphasizes that the integrity of the 2027 elections will depend not only on what happens at polling units but also on what happens before election day in our homes, communities, newsrooms, WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, X accounts, TikTok platforms and other digital spaces.

As Nigeria moves towards 2027, citizens are encouraged to make responsible information sharing part of their contribution to peaceful elections.

·       DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE.

·       DON'T SHARE EVERYTHING YOU RECEIVE.

·       STOP. CHECK. VERIFY. THEN SHARE.

The Rally for Peaceful Election invites Nigerians and stakeholders to join the continuing #RoadTo2027 Nigeria Elections Issues & Concerns Dialogue Series and contribute to building a more informed, peaceful, inclusive and responsible electoral environment.

Peaceful elections begin with responsible citizens including responsible digital citizens.

About Rally for Peaceful Election

The Rally for Peaceful Election is a multi-stakeholder, non-partisan platform established on 27 June 2015 to promote peaceful democratic participation and the dividends of democracy through a peace campaign approach. The platform focuses on the electoral process before, during and after elections and is coordinated by the Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO), Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) and other stakeholders.

The platform is currently implementing the 22-episode #RoadTo2027 Nigeria Elections Issues & Concerns Dialogue Series.

 

Issued by

                                                                 Description: Obasanmi Jude SIgn

Dr. Bright Oniovokukor

Convener, Rally for Peaceful Election

ED, Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO)

+2348068054561

Comr. Jude Obasanmi PhD.

Co-Convener, Rally for Peaceful Election

CRO, Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF)

SSC, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room

+2348037184035

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