Nigerian fact checkers organisations comprising Africa Check, Dubawa, and FactCheckHub among others have partnered Full Fact, a UK-based fact-checking charity entity, to tackle misinformation in the forthcoming general elections.
In a press statement jointly signed by the fact-checking organisations, Full Fact’s designed AI technology, a $2 million project developed in 2015 which had helped in detecting claims would be used in February 25 polls for the first time.
Full Fact AI is a suite of robust, scalable software tools designed to assist fact-checkers focused on promoting accurate information through the combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise enabling users to effectively combat misinformation while maintaining high standards of accuracy and credibility.
The tool provides three tools to Nigerian fact-checkers; the Search tool, which helps identify statements by monitoring online media, social media, and RSS feeds; the Alerts tool, which informs repeat instances of previously fact-checked false information; and the Real-Time tool that offers an instant transcription of election debates, interviews and town halls.
“Our AI tools, with support from Google.org, help fact-checkers stay ahead of false claims and promote accurate information. We’re proud to support our partners in Nigeria during this important time,” says Will Moy, CEO of Full Fact.
Full Fact will also support its local fact-checking partners during the election process, and the tool will share fact checks, images, videos, and impact stories from their fact-checking service during the elections, the statement explained.
In his remark, Opeyemi Kehinde, Editor of FactCheckHub, said using the Full Fact AI tool has enhanced the platform’s work ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 general election.
“Since we were onboarded, our team of fact-checkers and researchers at the Nigerian Fact-checkers Coalition (NFC) have been utilising the AI platform to source claims for debunking easily,” he said.
Kemi Busari of Dubawa also commended the initiative stating that it has been very helpful in the lead-up to the elections.
“I use the tools searching for claims and even identifying persistent spreaders of falsehood. These tools, combined, would further help us as fact-checkers to hold politicians accountable and help people access accurate information about the election,” Busari noted.
Alaso David Ajikobi, Nigerian editor at Africa Check, stated that the tools have helped develop and allow the coalition to monitor news websites, social media pages and transcribe live TV or radio programs to find claims to fact check.
Nigeria’s elections are scheduled to hold on February 25, for presidential contenders alongside federal lawmakers.
Subsequently, candidates for gubernatorial and house of assembly elections will hold on March 11.
