*Oluyole Lawmaker, Ilumoka Calls for Clampdown on Fake News Ahead of 2027 Elections*

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.