2027: Experts Seek Regulation Of Preaching To Stem Misinformation

A broadcast journalist with Albarka Radio, Muhammad Sani Mu’azu, has called for the immediate regulation of preaching by Christian and Islamic clerics to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mu’azu made the call at a workshop on fact-checking skills and digital verification tools organised by the Department of Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, for its students.

He warned that religious leaders, who command large and loyal followings, were increasingly becoming influential sources of information, making it imperative to ensure accountability in their public communications.

According to him, unchecked narratives from some clerics, whether deliberate or inadvertent, could inflame tensions, mislead the public, and undermine the credibility of the electoral process if left unregulated.

“With the 2027 elections approaching, there is an urgent need to ensure that those who shape public opinion, especially religious leaders, are guided by truth and responsibility,” he said.

Mu’azu emphasised that regulating clerics would not amount to restricting freedom of worship or expression, but rather serve as a safeguard against the misuse of influence to spread falsehoods capable of destabilising society.

He also urged journalists and media practitioners to strengthen their fact-checking skills and leverage digital verification tools to counter false narratives, particularly on social media platforms where misinformation spreads rapidly.

Earlier, the Head of Mass Communication Department, Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Bello Ibrahim Halilu, charged students to uphold ethical journalism practices in their careers.

He stressed the importance of accuracy, fairness and integrity in reporting, noting that responsible journalism remains critical to promoting accountability and transparency in governance.

Halilu encouraged the students to see themselves as gatekeepers of truth, especially in an era marked by the proliferation of fake news and information disorder.

LEADERSHIP reports that the workshop forms part of ongoing efforts by the institution to equip aspiring journalists with practical skills needed to navigate the evolving media landscape and combat misinformation in Nigeria.