THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians against circulating fake election results on the social media, noting that the act is a violation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.
Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi gave the advise in a post on his Twitter account on Sunday, February 26.
He wrote: “The Nigeria Police has observed the spreading or circulation of alleged/fake elections results on social media and other news platforms, which is contrary to the policy and guidelines of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Police has perceived this trend as a calculated attempt to heat up the polity and possibly create post elections chaos.”
Adejobi noted that the Police have perceived the trend as a calculated attempt to heat up the polity and create post elections chaos.
“We regard this as a disservice, unpatriotic, and disinformation. The Nigeria Police hereby warns those who are spreading these alleged/fake election results to desist from such mischievous acts and wait patiently for INEC’s official results, which are authentic and tenable.
“The NPF urges Nigerians to remain calm, and go about their lawful engagements, while those who are billed to go to the polls today are requested to be orderly and law-abiding as we have re-enforced our security strategies for the smooth conclusion of the 2023 General Elections,” he added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M