Nigeria's Islamic Council urges clerics to verify information ahead of 2027 elections

The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) convened a capacity‑building workshop for Islamic clerics in Abuja, calling on religious leaders to champion fact‑checking and responsible communication in their sermons. NSCIA Secretary‑General Prof. Is‑haq O. Oloyede warned that “misinformation fuels mistrust, inflames divisions, and too often leads to real‑world harm,” citing its role in communal clashes and health crises.

The event, also attended by the head of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, stressed that clerics must remain apolitical and verify information before sharing. Organisers highlighted the upcoming 2027 general election, noting that misinformation, including foreign‑state interference and deep‑fake media, is expected to rise as campaigns begin.

The workshop aimed to equip clerics with tools to detect fake news and promote social harmony, drawing on Qur'anic injunctions to verify reports before acting.