2027: Group tasks electorate, media on responsible digital citizenship

By Praise Chinecherem

Catch Them Young Community Initiative (CATYCOI) has called on Nigerians, particularly the electorate, social media handlers, bloggers, content creators and online influencers to embrace responsible digital citizenship by adopting the #CheckBeforeYouPost and #FactCheck campaigns ahead of 2027 general elections.

Executive Director, Nonso Orakwe who gave the advice while addressing group of youths in Awka, Anambra State emphasized that misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech remain serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy, electoral integrity, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

He warned that deliberate or careless spread of false and misleading information can influence public opinion, fuel political tensions, incite violence and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Orakwe urged Nigerians to fact-check every piece of information before posting, sharing, forwarding, or discussing it, stressing that truth and accuracy remained essential to peaceful and credible elections.

“There is an urgent need for every Nigerian to #CheckBeforeYouPost and #FactCheck every piece of information before sharing or discussing it.

“One false or manipulated message can mislead millions, destroy reputations, incite violence, and even threaten the peace and stability of a nation.

“Information has power, and when misused, it can destroy a nation,” he added.

Orakwe further appealed to political parties, candidates, supporters, media practitioners, civil society organizations and social media influencers to conduct issue-based campaigns and reject fake news, propaganda, inflammatory rhetoric and hate speech as political tools.

He encouraged citizens to rely on credible and verified sources of information, support independent fact-checking initiatives and report false or misleading content capable of causing panic, division or violence.

“Safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy is a shared responsibility that requires every citizen to uphold truth, promote peaceful dialogue, respect differing opinions and use digital platforms responsibly,” he stressed.

As preparations for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum, CATYCOI reaffirmed its commitment to promoting electoral integrity, civic education, digital literacy, youth participation and peaceful democratic engagement across Nigeria.