AI-driven election misinformation threatens Nigerian voters ahead of 2027 polls
Media stakeholders warned that AI-generated fake election results, deepfakes and manipulated audio could make it harder for Nigerians to tell truth from falsehood ahead of the 2027 general elections. The warning came in a communiqué after the eighth Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture on 19 September, signed by Titus Usman of Jewel Treasure Newspaper and Sekyen Dadik of the Africa Media Development Foundation. Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of PREMIUM TIMES and CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, said the 2027 polls pose new challenges as AI and digital platforms change how information is produced and shared, noting that false content spreads faster than fact‑checkers can respond.
He added that while verification tools exist, wider access, greater awareness and institutional support are needed. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan echoed the concern, saying generative AI has made manipulated videos, audio and images cheaper and harder to detect, with the potential to reach large audiences before verification. Nigeria already faced widespread election misinformation in 2023, with fake endorsements and forged claims circulating on social media and even mainstream media.
The communiqué urged media organisations to strengthen verification systems, invest in fact‑checking and AI training, and cooperate with technology companies, civil society and professional bodies. It also called for stronger media‑literacy programmes in schools, communities and religious institutions, urging Nigerians to pause and verify information before sharing it.
Will you start checking the source of election‑related videos and messages before you forward them, or rely on trusted fact‑checking platforms to spot AI‑generated content?