Friday Blues - DECEPTION AND DEMOCRACY: THE RISE OF FALSE NARRATIVES AND MISINFORMATION AHEAD OF THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

 Friday Blues

DECEPTION AND DEMOCRACY: THE RISE OF FALSE NARRATIVES AND MISINFORMATION AHEAD OF THE 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

 - by Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje (KSJI)

+234 70 155 303 62 – WhatsApp messages only

druzoadirieje2015@gmail.com

 

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the political atmosphere is already thick with propaganda, misinformation, and dangerous false narratives. Politicians and their supporters are increasingly relying on deception and emotional manipulation to sway public opinion, rather than presenting evidence-based achievements/programmes, clear policies and target-driven developmental plans. This troubling trend threatens the integrity of the democratic process and undermines informed electoral decision-making.

 

False narratives—ranging from exaggerated achievements, fabricated wrongdoings/scandals, ethnic and religious incitement, to outright lies—are being weaponized through social media, radio jingles, WhatsApp broadcasts, and staged rallies. Political actors deploy these tactics to distract from their failures, tarnish opponents, and exploit the vulnerabilities of voters who have become disillusioned by years of unfulfilled promises.

 

In many instances, politicians deliberately distort statistics, claim credit for unrelated developments, or invent crisis narratives to create a sense of achievements for themselves. Their supporters amplify these claims without scrutiny, creating echo chambers that shield followers from facts. The consequences are profound increased voter apathy, polarization, hate speech, and in extreme cases, violence.

 

Moreover, the prevalence of digital disinformation, particularly via deepfakes and AI-generated content, makes it harder for voters to distinguish truth from fiction. Without urgent media literacy campaigns, fact-checking infrastructure, and electoral reforms that penalize disinformation, Nigeria risks another cycle of post-election tension, mistrust of the electoral, and instability.

 

To safeguard the 2027 elections, civil society, media houses, religious and traditional leaders, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must take proactive steps to expose and counteract false narratives. Nigerians must demand objectively verifiable indicators of claimed achievements, accountability, verify information before sharing, and prioritize competence over sentiment.

 

Ultimately, the quality of leadership in Nigeria depends on the quality of choices voters make—and that begins with truth, not deception.

 

Noble Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje is a distinguished and multidimensional communicator whose work as a writer, columnist, blogger, reviewer, editor, and author bridges the intersections of global health, sustainable development, human rights, climate justice, and governance.