The lawmaker representing Oluyole State Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Waheed Akintayo, popularly known as Ilumoka, has called on the Executive Arm of Government and relevant communication agencies to take urgent and proactive measures to curb the spread of misinformation, fake news and false narratives on social media ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Hon. Akintayo made the call while presenting a motion titled “Need for the Executive Arm of Government Through Relevant Communication Agencies to Take Necessary Steps to Curb the Spread of Misinformation and False Narratives on Social Media Ahead of the Electioneering Period” during Thursday’s plenary of the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Presenting the motion, the Oluyole lawmaker noted that communication remains a vital tool for disseminating information, shaping public perception, promoting civic awareness and strengthening democratic engagement in society.
He observed, however, that the increasing circulation of unscreened and unverified information across social media platforms poses a significant threat to public order and democratic stability.
According to him, many contents shared on digital platforms often appear credible at first glance but are in reality false, misleading or deliberately manipulated, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between verified information and misinformation.
Hon. Akintayo expressed concern that social media platforms such as Facebook, X, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, while serving as important tools for information sharing and civic participation, have increasingly become channels for the dissemination of fake news, disinformation and harmful narratives capable of creating panic, damaging reputations and influencing public opinion negatively.
He recalled that the widespread circulation of unverified reports and manipulated content during the 2020 EndSARS protests contributed to heightened tensions and panic across different parts of the country.
He also cited the 2023 general elections, during which misleading information, doctored videos and politically motivated narratives allegedly created confusion among voters and intensified political tensions.
The lawmaker stressed that as Nigeria gradually approaches another electioneering season, the influence of social media on public discourse cannot be underestimated.
He warned that unchecked misinformation, inflammatory messages and misleading narratives could distort public perception, undermine confidence in institutions and threaten peaceful coexistence if decisive steps are not taken.
The Oluyole Lawmaker further noted that many citizens unknowingly contribute to the spread of harmful content by sharing unverified information, thereby amplifying false narratives capable of undermining public order, democratic processes and national security.
Recognising the growing influence of artificial intelligence on digital communication, Akintayo further called for the promotion of digital media literacy programmes to help citizens identify AI-generated content and detect manipulated images and videos circulating online.
In their contributions, some lawmakers who spoke on the Motion described it as particularly timely in view of what they termed “unguarded utterances and reckless comments” by some political actors, which could unnecessarily heat up the nation’s political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The House therefore urged the Executive Arm of Government through the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation to engage relevant communication and media regulatory agencies to intensify efforts aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation, fake news and harmful digital narratives across social media platforms.
The motion also sought the strengthening of public awareness campaigns and digital literacy programmes to educate citizens on the responsible use of social media and the dangers associated with spreading unverified information.
In addition, the Motion advocated collaboration with telecommunication operators and social media service providers to develop proactive mechanisms for monitoring and addressing misleading online content capable of undermining peace and public stability.
The Motion also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work closely with relevant agencies to counter election-related misinformation and provide timely public clarifications during the electioneering period.
Similarly, it called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce compliance with existing content regulations and sanction violations relating to fake news and political misinformation.
It further urged the Nigeria Police Force and the Office of the National Security Adviser to investigate and prosecute individuals deliberately spreading fake news with the intention of causing public disorder, in accordance with extant laws.
As part of the proposed measures, the House Committee on Information, Media, ICT and Public Affairs was also tasked with engaging relevant communication and media stakeholders to promote responsible information dissemination and ensure adequate safeguards are put in place ahead of the electioneering period.
