Stop circulating fake election results, police warn

Olumuyiwa Adejobi

The Nigeria Police has sounded a note of warning to those spreading or circulating fake election results on social media platforms to desist from the act.

The warning came about 24 hours after Nigerians voted in the presidential and national assembly elections.

Voting in some polling units in the country was extended to Sunday due to logistic reasons.

Fake election results have been circulating online a few hours after Saturday elections ended.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, warned that circulating fake election results is a “calculated attempt” to create post-election chaos.

The statement read in part, “The police have perceived this trend as a calculated attempt to heat up the polity and possibly create post elections chaos. We regard this as a disservice, unpatriotic, and disinformation.

“The Nigeria Police hereby warns those who are spreading these alleged/fake election results to desist from such mischievous acts and wait patiently for INEC’s official results, which are authentic and tenable.

“The NPF urges Nigerians to remain calm, and go about their lawful engagements, while those who are billed to go to the polls today are requested to be orderly and law-abiding as we have re-enforced our security strategies for the smooth conclusion of the 2023 general elections.”