The Nigerian Presidency has issued a warning about the potential misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in political communication as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections. The concern centers on AI-generated videos, images, and synthetic media that could be used to manipulate voters and threaten the integrity of democratic institutions.
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, emphasized these risks during the 7th World Media Summit held in Beijing, China, where he delivered a paper entitled 27AI and the Future of Global Communication.2
Onanuga highlighted how political campaigns increasingly utilize AI, especially on social media platforms like X, Facebook, and TikTok, to influence public opinion through digitally fabricated content. He underlined the urgency of implementing safeguards to prevent the exploitation of such technologies in Nigeria’s electoral process.
This development is significant for Nigeria due to the rising influence of social media and digital communications during election periods. The use of AI tools to generate misleading images or videos can distort voter perceptions and undermine trust in electoral outcomes. With political activities expected to intensify ahead of 2027, addressing these challenges is crucial for maintaining democratic credibility.
The Presidency’s call for protective measures reflects a growing global concern about the impact of artificial intelligence on political discourse and election security. As Nigeria pursues technological advancement, balancing innovation with ethical governance will be key to safeguarding its electoral processes and the broader democratic framework.
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