2027: Finder, accountability group to fact-check governorship candidates

The Finder Newspaper and the Centre for Leadership and Accountability Forum have said they will fact-check claims made by candidates contesting the 2027 governorship election in Nigeria, as political activity gathers pace ahead of the poll.

The exercise will examine statements that can be independently verified, including claims about candidates’ records in public office, professional backgrounds, previous achievements, statistics and campaign promises.

The organisations said they would monitor statements made at campaign rallies, television and radio interviews, debates, press conferences and other public events. Claims contained in manifestos, press releases and social media posts will also be reviewed where appropriate.

Verification will be based on available official records, including government documents, budgets, audit reports, electoral records, official statistics and information obtained from relevant institutions.

Candidates and their campaign organisations may be approached for clarification or supporting evidence before conclusions are reached on disputed claims.

The organisations said the same standards would apply to all candidates, regardless of political party or affiliation.

Claims made by candidates or their supporters about political opponents will also be examined where they concern matters that can reasonably be verified. The findings will distinguish between established facts, allegations, opinions and statements for which sufficient evidence is unavailable.

Where available records contradict a claim, the fact-check will set out the evidence and explain the basis for its conclusion. Claims that cannot be confirmed or disproved using available evidence will be described as unverifiable.

The organisations said any factual errors identified in their published findings would be corrected.

The initiative comes as parties and candidates step up political activities ahead of the 2027 election.

The exercise will focus on the accuracy of specific claims rather than assessing which candidate voters should support, with the evidence presented for readers to reach their own conclusions.