With the Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory approaching, the contest extends beyond polling stations into social media, WhatsApp groups, and blogs. Familiar claims circulate rapidly, influencing public opinion before facts are checked. Recognising common electoral myths and the evidence for or against them is crucial to maintaining voter trust and democratic stability.

During this time, numerous narratives—both known and unknown—will circulate online, especially in digital media. Below are common electoral myths to watch out for.

1. “If Results Are Uploaded Late, the Election Has Been Rigged”

Delays in uploading or announcing results do not automatically equal rigging.

During the 2023 Nigerian general election, technical and logistical issues were widely discussed — but the delay of result upload alone is not enough proof of manipulation. Elections involve physical collation processes that take time beyond the envisaged, sometimes.

2. “Your Vote Doesn’t Count, So Don’t Bother Voting”

This myth is commonly used to suppress voter turnout, especially among young and new voters.

While elections and their results can be contested, Nigeria has had multiple instances where margins were slim, and voter participation significantly influenced outcomes. Voter apathy benefits organised political interests.

3. “Security Agencies Decide Who Wins”

The role of security agencies during the election period is to provide protection and maintain order; they do not declare winners.

While there have been allegations of misconduct in past elections, legally, only INEC can announce results. Claims that “the military has decided the winner” are often speculative and inflammatory.

4. “The Courts Always Overturn the People’s Choice”

Nigeria’s judicial system has overturned some election results, but not automatically or routinely.

Election petitions require evidence and follow-up constitutional procedures. The idea that courts simply “swap candidates” without legal process is misleading.

5. “Electronic Accreditation Means Fully Electronic Voting”

Nigeria uses electronic accreditation, like the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which is primarily to electronically accredit eligible voters, but voting itself remains largely paper-based.

Confusion between accreditation and voting fuels misinformation. Claims that “hackers changed all the votes digitally” misunderstand how the system works.

6. “Opinion Polls Predict the Final Outcome”

Polls reflect sampled opinions at a specific time — they do not represent guaranteed results.

Methodology, sample size, and turnout variations matter. Viral “polls”, especially on social media, without credible data, are often propaganda tools.

7. “A Viral Video Is Proof of Nationwide Rigging”

One video showing malpractice at a particular location does not automatically mean the entire election is compromised nationwide.

Elections involve thousands of polling units. Isolated incidents must be investigated, but they do not always reflect the full national picture.

8. “If My Candidate Didn’t Win, the Election Was Stolen”

Emotional investment in candidates can make supporters vulnerable to conspiracy narratives.

While electoral malpractice can occur, defeat alone is not proof of fraud. Claims require evidence, not assumptions.

Why Do These Myths Spread?

Electoral myths thrive because they exploit distrust in institutions, amplify ethnic and religious divisions, and trigger emotional reactions.

These myths spread very quickly on enclosed social media platforms like WhatsApp. They can discourage participation, inflame tensions, and undermine democratic stability.

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