Hate Speech and the Campaigns for the 2019 Election: A Campaign Advisory

Simple item page
dc.contributor.authorCentre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
dc.date.accessioned2026-10-04T20:04:18Z
dc.date.available2026-10-04T20:04:18Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.descriptionThis advisory publication, published by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) with support from the MacArthur Foundation, evaluates the rise and dynamics of hate speech leading into Nigeria’s 2019 general elections. Against a backdrop of socio-political tension—such as the farmer-herder conflict, Biafran agitation, and intra-religious disputes—the advisory examines how political actors deploy inflammatory rhetoric across social media and conventional outlets to mobilize sentiments and exploit societal fault lines. Utilizing empirical observatory data collected between September and November 2018, the report documents 607 instances of hate speech, tracking their platforms, targeting metrics, and degrees of inflammation. The findings highlight a steady escalation in ethnic and religious incitement, notably intensified during political party primaries. Furthermore, gender-targeted hate speech contributed significantly to the disproportionate marginalization and exclusion of female candidates during primary contests. To mitigate electoral violence and ensure peaceful democratic engagement, CITAD delivers targeted, actionable recommendations to key institutional stakeholders. The advisory urges the Nigerian government to address underlying triggers without stifling legitimate free expression; instructs political parties to commit to issue-based campaigning; calls on law enforcement to proactively utilize hate-speech monitoring for early warning responses; and mandates media organizations and regulatory bodies to strictly enforce codes against dangerous communication. Ultimately, the document serves as an institutional framework designed to strengthen citizen resilience and foster peaceful electoral outcomes.
dc.description.abstract• Chapter 1. Introduction • Chapter 2. Hate Speech • Chapter 3.The Recent Pattern of Hate Speech • Chapter 4.Hate Speech and Election • Chapter 5. Conclusion and Recommendation • Government • Political Parties and Candidates • Law enforcement and Security Agencies • Religious and Community Leaders • Media Regulatory Agencies • Online newspapers • Radio and TV Stations
dc.identifier.isbn978-978-54842-9-8
dc.identifier.urihttps://nigeriareposit.nln.gov.ng/handle/20.500.14186/2962
dc.language.isoen_US
dc.publisherKaduna state(3rd Floor, NSITF Building, No. 1A, Social Insurance Road, behind Trade Fair Complex, Zaria Road, PO. Box 10210): Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD)
dc.titleHate Speech and the Campaigns for the 2019 Election: A Campaign Advisory
dc.typeBook
Files
Original bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
Hate And The Campaingns For 2019 Election0001.pdf
Size:
2.63 MB
Format:
Adobe Portable Document Format
Download
License bundle
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
No Thumbnail Available
Name:
license.txt
Size:
1.81 KB
Format:
Item-specific license agreed to upon submission
Description:
Download
Collections
Monographs/Books