Osun 2026: PAACA, DigiAfricaLab, Police, Other Stakeholders Push Responsible Social Media Use, Peaceful Election

As preparations intensify for the August 15 Osun State governorship election, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigeria Police Force and civil society organisations have called on residents to embrace peaceful conduct, reject misinformation and use social media responsibly to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

The call was made on Thursday in Osogbo during a one-day Policy Dialogue on Electoral Offences, Peaceful Elections, Responsible Use of Social Media and Consequence Management, organised by the Pan African Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) in collaboration with the Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab (DigiAfricaLab).

Delivering a goodwill message, the Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Adebiyi Stephen Adefarasin, urged citizens to make the forthcoming governorship election a model of peaceful and credible democratic practice for the country.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to build a digitally responsible society and sustain a culture of peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

According to him, the agency remains committed to sensitising citizens on their civic responsibilities, promoting patriotism and encouraging peaceful coexistence.

Adefarasin observed that while social media has become a powerful platform for information sharing, civic engagement and democratic participation, it must not be used to spread misinformation, disinformation, hate speech or other harmful content capable of undermining democratic processes.

“As we prepare for the forthcoming off-season governorship election in Osun State and look ahead to the nationwide general elections in 2027, I urge all Nigerians, particularly young people, media practitioners, civil society organisations, political actors and digital content creators, to embrace the principles of fact-checking, responsible communication, tolerance and respect for differing opinions. Peaceful elections are built on the foundation of informed, responsible and patriotic citizens,” he said.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of PAACA, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, stressed the need to deepen public awareness of electoral offences, warning that ignorance of electoral laws remains widespread.

He noted that buying or selling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is a criminal offence punishable under the law and urged citizens to refrain from acts capable of compromising the credibility of the electoral process.

“We need to centralise conversations around electoral offences, peaceful elections, responsible use of social media and consequence management so that different stakeholders can come to terms with what is right. A lot of people don’t know that if you sell your PVC, you can go to jail,” he said.

Nwagwu further urged political parties, voters and other stakeholders to reject electoral violence and desist from spreading misinformation, hate speech and other harmful online content, adding that democracy should be valued not only for physical development but also for the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.

In her presentation, the Founder and Executive Director of DigiAfricaLab, Rosemary Ajayi, cautioned against digital threats capable of eroding public confidence in the electoral process.

She explained that such threats extend beyond misinformation to include fake social media accounts, impersonation, coordinated manipulation of online trends and other deceptive practices designed to influence public opinion.

“Digital threats are any behaviours, activities or content shared in digital spaces that can make people feel fear, anger or lose trust in the electoral system,” she said, urging citizens to verify information before sharing it and contribute to a peaceful electoral process through responsible online engagement.

The Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Gotan, also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring a peaceful, secure and credible governorship election.

Represented by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, at the town hall meeting, the police commissioner assured residents that the command would provide a secure environment for eligible voters to exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation or violence.

Gotan stressed that the responsibility for peaceful elections should not rest on security agencies alone, calling for stronger collaboration among the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), NOA, political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, the media and the electorate.

He said the police would continue to enforce electoral laws impartially, prevent electoral offences, protect electoral personnel and materials, and respond professionally to any election-related incidents.

“The Osun State Police Command will continue to enforce electoral laws impartially, prevent electoral offences, protect electoral personnel and materials, safeguard lives and property, and respond professionally and promptly to any election-related incident,” he said.

The commissioner also appealed to political parties and their supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully and resolve disputes through lawful and democratic means.

“Violence has never produced a legitimate mandate; it only leaves communities with regret and unnecessary suffering,” he added.

The town hall meeting brought together representatives of government institutions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, the media and members of the public to discuss strategies for promoting peaceful elections, safeguarding digital rights and tackling misinformation ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.