By Maimuna Alkali
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), through its Media in National Elections (MiNE) project and DUBAWA, in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has commenced a two-day Media and Information Literacy (MIL) and fact-checking training for INEC officials ahead of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.
The training, held in Abuja, brought together 25 INEC officials drawn from the six area councils of the FCT. It is part of broader efforts to strengthen officials’ understanding of information flow and equip them with skills to counter the growing threat of mis- and disinformation during elections.
Speaking at the opening session, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for the FCT, Malam Aminu Idris Kasimu, who was represented by the Administrative Secretary of INEC FCT, Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process in an increasingly digital media environment.
“In today’s digital age, the media environment, particularly social and online media, has become a powerful force in shaping public perception of elections. While it offers opportunities for transparency and voter education, it also poses serious risks when abused,” she said.
Oladunjoye warned that the spread of false and misleading information online could undermine electoral credibility, threaten election security, and erode public trust if left unaddressed. She stressed that INEC’s responsibility goes beyond election logistics to also protecting the information ecosystem surrounding elections.
“As we prepare for forthcoming electoral activities, including the FCT Area Council elections, we must also protect the information environment around elections. Accurate information must prevail over falsehood,” she said, urging participants to engage actively in the training and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen institutional communication and promote credible elections.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of CJID, Akintunde Babatunde, described INEC as one of Nigeria’s most critical democratic institutions, but also one that is particularly vulnerable to public distrust fueled by misinformation.
According to him, Media and Information Literacy is essential in helping INEC and its partners understand that information warfare is real and must be addressed through collaboration.
“This training is not about blame. It is about partnership—how INEC’s framework and CJID’s technical capacity can work together to protect electoral integrity and also safeguard election officials,” Akintunde said.
He added that CJID has implemented similar interventions across 13 African countries, working with election management bodies to counter the growing influence of digital disinformation on electoral processes.
About CJID
The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is an African media technology organisation operating across 13 African countries. Founded in 2014 as a non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, CJID is a leader in investigative journalism, media innovation, open data, verification, journalist welfare and safety, elections, and freedom of information and expression. Through the use of technology, the organisation expands the reach and impact of journalism across Anglophone and Francophone Africa while serving as a watchdog for democracy.
The Media in National Elections (MiNE) project of CJID focuses on strengthening accountability in the electoral process through a multi-stakeholder approach that brings together civil society organisations, election management bodies, and advocacy groups.
DUBAWA is CJID’s verification and fact-checking initiative, dedicated to promoting a culture of truth and verification in public discourse and journalism through partnerships with media organisations, government institutions, civil society groups, technology companies, and the public.
