As Ekiti State prepares for the governorship election on 20 June 2026, DigiAfricaLab (Digital Africa Research and Safety Lab) has issued a threat advisory, warning of the likely impact of election-related digital threats on the conduct of the election.
In the advisory signed by the group’s Executive Director Rosemary Ajayi, DigiAfricaLab notes that online information, conversations and activities continue to shape elections and civic participation in increasingly complex ways.
The advisory reads in full:
DigiAfricaLab observes that election-related digital threats have evolved significantly over the past decade. Our analysis draws on more than a decade of experience monitoring elections, information manipulation, online discourse and digital threats in Nigeria.
During the voting period, DigiAfricaLab will observe developments in the digital information environment that may affect electoral participation, public confidence, community relations and the safety of voters, election officials, observers, journalists and security personnel, including harmful content, coordinated manipulation, participation suppression narratives and
online activities that may be inconsistent with Nigeria’s electoral legislation.
DigiAfricaLab acknowledges recent public statements by political actors indicating their
intention to comply with the campaign silence period established under Nigerian electoral law and encourages all stakeholders to respect these provisions throughout the voting period.
While false and misleading information remain important concerns, DigiAfricaLab observes that election-related digital threats extend beyond questions of whether information is true or false. Some digital threats are designed not only to deceive, but also to intimidate, exclude, manipulate or discourage participation.
Key Areas of Concern
False Security Alerts and Panic-Inducing Claims
DigiAfricaLab notes the circulation in recent months of false claims, videos and photographs alleging attacks by bandits and other violent actors in communities across Nigeria, including claims linked to locations in Ekiti State.
Such claims have the potential to create fear, discourage participation and undermine public confidence in safety and security.
Participation Suppression Narratives and Identity-Based Incitement
DigiAfricaLab expresses concern regarding participation suppression narratives and other activities that may discourage, intimidate, exclude or prevent eligible citizens from participating in the electoral process.
These may include claims that certain groups should not vote, that non-indigenes have no
right to participate in the election, that individuals should stay away from polling units because of their ethnicity, language, religion or place of origin, or that participation is unsafe or futile.
DigiAfricaLab will pay particular attention to narratives that seek to exclude, stigmatise or
intimidate individuals or communities on the basis of ethnicity, religion, language, place of
origin or perceived political affiliation.
Such narratives may discourage participation, undermine social cohesion and contribute to an environment in which eligible citizens feel unwelcome, unsafe or unable to participate.
False Claims About Election Stakeholders
Accredited election officials, observers and journalists perform important functions during elections.
DigiAfricaLab notes that false claims portraying accredited stakeholders as “fake”, operating illegally or participating in misconduct may place individuals at risk and undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Manipulated, Recycled and Synthetic Media
DigiAfricaLab notes that previous elections have demonstrated how old photographs, videos, fabricated documents and unrelated incidents can be repurposed and presented as evidence of current events.
Advances in artificial intelligence have increased the risk that manipulated, synthetic or AI-generated content may circulate during the voting period.
Coordinated Manipulation and Artificial Amplification
DigiAfricaLab observes that coordinated posting, automation and networks of accounts can be used to manufacture the appearance of widespread public sentiment or support.
The popularity of a claim online should not be treated as evidence of its authenticity.
Unofficial Results and Premature Outcome Claims
DigiAfricaLab notes that voting periods frequently generate rumours regarding results before official announcements have been made.
Citizens should exercise caution regarding unofficial result claims circulated online and rely on official electoral processes and announcements.
Recommendations
DigiAfricaLab encourages political parties, candidates, supporters, media organisations,
technology platforms and citizens to act responsibly throughout the voting period and to avoid actions that may undermine participation, public confidence or community safety.
Political actors should avoid intimidation, participation suppression narratives and
identity-based targeting. Media organisations should prioritise verification and exercise caution when reporting viral content, screenshots and AI-generated materials.
Technology platforms should maintain heightened vigilance for election-related harms and respond promptly to reports involving impersonation, intimidation, coordinated manipulation and harmful
synthetic media.
Citizens should verify election-related information before sharing it and rely on credible and official sources.
Conclusion
Digital threats are not merely online phenomena. They can influence public confidence, discourage participation, damage community relations and place voters, election officials, observers, journalists and security personnel at risk.
As Ekiti State prepares to vote, DigiAfricaLab encourages all stakeholders to contribute to an environment defined by evidence, responsibility, inclusion and respect for democratic participation.
