Gidan Yanci Fellow Mustapha Salisu Pushes for Constructive Online Political Trends at Fact-Checking Training
By Mustapha Salisu
Mustapha Salisu, a participant in the second cohort of the Gidan Yanci Fellowship Program, urged the public and internet users to be wary of spreading misinformation and disinformation online, highlighting its potential to negatively impact real-world political discourse.
The Gidan Yanci Fellowship Program equips young people with the knowledge to promote and deepen democratic reforms in their communities, focusing on “Freedom of Expression,” “Governance Reforms,” and “Political Participation.”
Salisu, representing the “Freedom of Expression” theme, spoke at a fact-checking training organized by FactSpace West Africa in partnership with USAID. The training focused on using Social Media Analytics (SMA) tools for journalists in Kano State.
Rabiu Alhassan, Director of FactSpace West Africa, explained the training centered around a paid tool called “Brandwatch.” He said Brandwatch allows journalists and researchers to gather comprehensive information on various online topics across platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the importance of X’s API access for Brandwatch’s functionality.
Alhassan added that the training aimed to enhance participants’ social listening skills and equip them to conduct evidence-based research on public issues, starting from online trends and extending to their offline impacts.
Salisu, drawing from Alhassan’s explanation, provided examples of how online trends can influence real-world political situations in Kano State.
“During the 2023 Governorship Elections,” Salisu said, “a political party in the night, mobilized its members online to come out and secure their vote at the collation Center. This trend translated to a massive voter turnout before dawn.”
“Similarly,” he continued, “political parties have used online spaces to mobilize supporters for prayer sessions, achieving real-world participation.”
Salisu emphasized the importance of informed political decisions based on verified information. He urged the public and social media users to verify information before sharing it to avoid actions fueled by misinformation and disinformation.
By promoting media literacy and responsible online engagement, programs like Gidan Yanci and training initiatives by FactSpace West Africa can empower Nigerians to make informed choices and build a healthier online political discourse.
