ASKOMP Urges Kwara Online Media Practitioners to Reject Misinformation, Hate Speech Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Mohammed Alhaji Tauheed ✔

ASKOMP Urges Kwara Online Media Practitioners to Reject Misinformation, Hate Speech Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) has urged its members to uphold professional journalism standards and prevent politicians from using their platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation and hate speech ahead of the 2027 general elections.

ASKOMP Chairman and Publisher of The Informant247, Salihu Shola Taofeek, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, as political campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections officially commenced on August 19, 2026, according to the timetable referenced in the statement.

The association stressed the need for online media practitioners to remain committed to ethical journalism and responsible reporting throughout the electioneering period.

“Online Media Practitioners must not allow politicians to use our platforms to spread fake news, misinformation, disinformation and hate speeches,” the statement said.

ASKOMP also cautioned its members against publishing content capable of inflaming political tensions or promoting violence, urging practitioners to exercise restraint and professionalism in their coverage of political activities.

The association further called on journalists and online publishers to independently verify claims made by political parties and candidates before publication to avoid misleading the public.

It encouraged members to adopt conflict-sensitive reporting, particularly in the coverage of politically sensitive issues, describing this as essential to maintaining a peaceful political environment in Kwara State ahead of the 2027 elections.

ASKOMP reaffirmed that the role of the media is not only to inform the public but also to contribute to credible, peaceful and responsible democratic participation through accurate and balanced reporting.