2027: Don’t allow politicians use your platforms to spread fake news, hate speech — ASKOMP
…ASKOMP Calls for Responsible Online Journalism to Prevent Election Violence
The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) has cautioned online media practitioners against allowing politicians to use their platforms to spread fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speech ahead of the 2027 general elections.
ASKOMP Chairman and Publisher of The Informant247, Salihu Shola Taofeek, gave the warning in a statement issued on Thursday, as political activities intensify ahead of the elections.
Taofeek said the call became necessary following the commencement of campaign activities for the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections, in line with the timeline released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged members of the association to uphold professional ethics and standards guiding journalism, stressing that online media platforms must not become channels for political misinformation or incitement.
“As Online Media Practitioners, we must not allow politicians to use our platforms to spread fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speeches,” Taofeek said.
He also urged online publishers to avoid reports and contents capable of heating up the political space or promoting violence as political parties and candidates intensify their campaigns.
According to him, journalists and online media practitioners have a responsibility to verify claims made by political parties and their candidates before publishing them in order to avoid misleading members of the public.
“Let’s embrace conflict-sensitive reporting in order to sustain a peaceful political ambience in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he added.
The association further called on online media practitioners to use their platforms to promote issue-based political discourse, responsible participation and peaceful coexistence throughout the electioneering period.
ASKOMP stressed that adherence to professional journalism ethics, fact-checking and conflict-sensitive reporting would be critical to preventing misinformation and election-related violence in the state.
