The Team Lead of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, has highlighted that research and analysis show misinformation and disinformation will be major challenges for stakeholders during the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections, as well as the general elections.
Idowu further revealed that a significant portion of the misinformation recorded in December was driven by artificial intelligence.
This issue formed the centerpiece of discussions at the Osun Democracy Talk (Osun DemTalks), organised by KDI as part of its civic engagement initiatives in Osogbo on Thursday, the 22nd of January, 2026.
Addressing participants, Idowu explained that the forum was designed to equip citizens against emerging threats to credible elections as Osun State approaches another electoral cycle.
She emphasized that misinformation has emerged as a critical barrier to free and fair elections, noting that false narratives can escalate tension and, in some cases, trigger election-related violence.
“Research also shows that when information goes out, the number of people who first receive misinformation is more than those who ever see the debunking, meaning misinformation spreads faster,” Idowu said.
She added that the rise of artificial intelligence in content creation has complicated matters, as manipulated images, videos, and messages can easily mislead voters.
Idowu disclosed that KDI launched an election-focused artificial intelligence platform on the 13th of June, 2024, to provide the public with verified electoral information through digital tools.
“One of the things we are doing is to ensure that we sensitise and encourage people to get official and verified information. Informed voters remain the strongest defence against manipulation,” she explained.
She stressed that while politicians vie for votes, citizens are increasingly caught in a “war of narratives,” making access to credible information crucial.
In his goodwill message, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, urged attendees to actively participate in election monitoring.
Dr Agboke emphasized that citizens should report irregularities instead of remaining passive critics during the polls.
“During the election, see something, say something. It is not enough to sit down and criticise. INEC is committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts,” he said.
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He also cautioned that unaccredited organisations should stay away from the electoral process and stated that INEC would take steps to curb vote buying and other electoral misconduct.
Commending KDI for what he called a “sincere effort to strengthen democracy and the electoral process,” Dr Agboke encouraged participants to support the commission actively.
“My message to you is that whatever conversation we have today, what will make it meaningful is that on election day you team up and see what you can do to help INEC achieve success,” he said.
Also speaking, Afolabi Adeyemi Alaba, representative of Adeniyi Steven Adefarasin, the Osun State Director of the National Orientation Agency, said the programme was designed to foster responsible civic participation.
He noted that democracy extends beyond social media, urging voters, particularly youths, to adhere to the election timetable and participate in decisions shaping their future.
“We must reject vote buying, resist misinformation, and refuse to be used for election violence. It is only by your votes that you can be heard,” Alaba concluded.