INEC Trains Officers to Combat Misinformation Ahead of 2027

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a capacity-building workshop for its Public Affairs Officers (PAOs) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening PAOs Capacity for Credible, Verified and Responsible Election Communication Towards 2027,” is aimed at improving the ability of INEC communication officers to provide accurate information, engage the media and respond effectively to emerging information challenges.

Declaring the workshop open, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, described Public Affairs Officers as frontline communicators who serve as a vital link between the Commission and the public.

Haruna said PAOs are responsible for preparing official statements, responding to enquiries and supporting Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Heads of Department, Voter Education and Publicity.

He stressed that the credibility of INEC’s public communication depends significantly on the accuracy and quality of information provided by its communication personnel.

The National Commissioner noted that the information environment has become increasingly complex due to the rapid expansion of social media and the growing use of generative artificial intelligence.

He also cited recent remarks by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria.

According to Haruna, Amupitan had emphasised the connection between electoral technology and electoral communication as important components of election credibility.

He said the workshop would help INEC officers develop the skills needed to identify, verify and respond appropriately to misinformation and disinformation as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 elections.