Education

You are more likely to believe fake news as elections come closer – here is why

Published

4 years ago

September 24, 2022

vicky

When was the last time you saw a piece of news and you later saw an apology or rejoinder from the same or a different media house labeling the same piece as fake? The number is probably more than once. Fake news is a thing, more so during the electioneering process. It is often said that war is a game of deception, no doubt, some politicians see elections and the electioneering process as war too. This is why they use all means possible to get the results that they seek.

It is even more complicated that the electioneering process in a lot of countries is far from standardized. There are a lot of name-callings, with the entire campaign often hinged on negativity and bad blood rather than facing the issues squarely. While ethics and morality might be the reason why some actors steer clear of such drastic acts, there is another that transcends all the aforementioned and it is fake news.

Fake news is not just untruths and falsehoods, it also carries the full weight of the intent with which it is deployed – to misconstrue the public and to call falsehood facts. The impact of fake news, disinformation, and other forms of untruths on elections around the world continue to be studied and deliberated on.

What we do not consider is what if the elections are not that close and fake news just helps the perceived frontrunner to run all the way ahead? That is why it is essential to look at the root causes of why fake news campaigns flourish during electioneering season:

The political atmosphere is charged with emotions during political seasons

During political season, the atmosphere is charged and some political thugs and minions are looking for reasons to unleash violence on members of the opposition party and those who do not agree with their point of view or bias. Fake news just helps to turn these aspirations into reality. The effect of fake news is further heightened within the political atmosphere.

In the absence of verified records, fake news flourishes

One of the many reasons why fake news keeps thriving is the stark fact that in a lot of developing nations, it is quite a thankless job to keep records. When these records are kept, efforts are being made to keep these records away from the public. In the absence of these records, fake news flourishes. From deep fakes and articles put together by ghost social media users and troll accounts with large followings, fake news can become catastrophic fast.

Ease of spinning and disseminating fake news

One of the favorite means of getting information today is social media. The visibility of the candidate alone on the different social media platforms and the perception they carry on the platform can play a critical role in deciding the election result. Simple name recognition can drive the entire election result. In a way, even exaggerated truths can get on social media and can be misconstrued into fake news by ardent followers and an unsuspecting fan base of political parties.

Low level of literacy amidst the populace

It is not just about formal education, there is also the literacy level of double checking and filtering information. In any culture where fact-checking and double-checking is not the norm, it is easy for fake news to be taken wholesale. When next you come across news, before retweeting, check. Before sharing, read. If something doesn’t add up, then, there is likely something hidden. Learn how to reverse search images, these are simple skills that can help you nip fake news in its bud.

Fake news is not just a one-off thing that affects everyone, it is dividing information that is sown by some elements and continues to widen the gap of an already divided issue. If not handled in time, it can rip people apart and tear nations into shreds. It must be watched, it must be curtailed.

This article was written and prepared by the Community Initiatives to Promote Peace project, CIPP.

CIPP is a USAID-funded project that aims to promote peaceful coexistence and collaboration in Nigeria by mitigating violent conflict in at-risk communities in Nigeria.

The social media campaign component of the project is all about enlightening Nigerians on the dangers of spreading fake news, rumors, and hate speech on social media, as it contributes to the violent conflict and insecurity that affects us all.

The social media campaign is currently in its second season, and this year, we are solely focused on promoting positive election behaviors ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Education

30 days after, teacher lies beheaded, Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu, Makinde chase presidential ambition

Published

1 month ago

June 15, 2026

Preport

30 days after teacher lies beheaded Oyo schoolchildren languish as Tinubu Makinde chase presidential.png

A month after the mass abduction of 46 Oyo schoolchildren and teachers by terrorists on May 15 and the decapitation of a teacher, the captives remain in the forest despite military claims and political promises from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Seyi Makinde.

The terrorists kidnapped the students and staffers after invading schools in the Esienle and Yawota communities in Orire local council in Oyo state.

Days after the abduction, one of the teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was beheaded by the terrorists, pressuring the government to meet their demands for the release of the abductees.

On May 19, four days after the abduction, the Defence Headquarters, in a statement by its spokesperson, Michael Onoja, said, “Troops are currently deployed and actively operating within the forest in pursuit of the perpetrators and in search of the abducted victims.”

“Troops made contact with the criminal elements two days ago, have since reorganised, and are continuing the search and pursuit operations with full determination.”

The military and the government cited collateral damage as a reason for not taking out the terrorists.

While the schoolchildren and their teachers languish in captivity, Messrs Tinubu and Makinde have been engaging in electioneering as they chase their presidential dreams, both emerging as their party’s candidates for the 2027 election.

On May 31, Mr Makinde visited the hostages’ communities, promising their families the safe return of those abducted.

“This is not the time to start trading blame on who should be responsible for the release of these children between the state and federal government. This is just the time to come together to rescue our children and their teachers, Mr Makinde told the families of abductees. “All I need is your cooperation. Please trust us. I cannot speak much because it has security implications. I know your hearts are bleeding. My heart is also bleeding. Please trust us. We will secure their release.”

Similarly, a delegation representing Mr Tinubu, led by his chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited the families and made a similar promise.

In a video released by the terrorists, Rachael Alamu, one of the hostages and the principal of Community High School Esinele, begged Messrs Tinubu and Makinde to negotiate with the terrorists to secure their release.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State House of Assembly has opposed negotiating with the terrorists.

Debo Ogundoyin, the speaker of the assembly, said the state would not pay ransom, give weapons to terrorists or change laws to accommodate the kidnappers.

Several protests have followed the government’s failure to rescue the hostages.

Amid public outrage and discontent, many Nigerians protested across several states, including Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Plateau and the Federal Capital Territory, demanding the immediate rescue of the hostages.

In his Democracy Day speech on June 12, Mr Tinubu said, “Though this year’s mood is dampened by the abduction of our children in Oyo and Borno, we remain hopeful for their safe return. Democracy without security is not solid enough.”

The president urged terrorists and bandits across the country to lay down their arms or face the wrath of his administration.

Education

Plateau Teachers Protest Abduction of Oyo School Pupils, Demand Swift Rescue

Published

1 month ago

June 8, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has joined its counterparts across the country in protesting the abduction of pupils and teachers from a primary school in Oyo State.

Hundreds of teachers staged a demonstration in Jos, the Plateau State capital, carrying placards and banners to express their anger over the continued captivity of the victims several weeks after the incident.

The protesters called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe release of the abducted pupils and teachers, stressing that schools must remain safe spaces for learning.

They also expressed concern over the growing trend of school-related abductions in parts of the country, warning that such incidents could discourage parents from sending their children to school if not urgently addressed.

The union urged authorities to strengthen security around educational institutions and ensure the safe return of all victims still in captivity.