Nigerian elections have long been marred by disinformation fueled by religious and ethnic intolerance. The 2023 election saw the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) disinformation, including false attributions and fabricated media. As the country heads to the 2027 presidential election on January 15, a new pattern of AI-influenced disinformation is making it difficult for citizens to distinguish authentic communication from manipulated content. Advancements in technology are reshaping disinformation dynamics, making it easier for bad actors to create and spread false information.
According to a report by Bloomwit Africa in June 2026, 96.5% of Nigerian internet users are on WhatsApp, the most-used platform, where political conversations occur in closed, encrypted channels. The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, warned about the growing AI-driven disinformation trend posing a major threat to the credibility of the 2027 general election. This trend is increasingly targeting political parties and candidates, offering a preview of future challenges.
In August 2026, social media users shared manipulated newspaper front pages impersonating credible media organizations such as Punch, Nigeria Tribune, and The Guardian. Fact-checking revealed these to be false. In September 2026, users began attributing false statements to political candidates using their images to authenticate the claims. An X user shared a news card with an image of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and attributed a provocative statement to him, which Akpabio did not make.
Another user shared a screenshot of Peter Obi's interview with Arise TV, with a text that read, "The Yoruba Muslims are not practising real Islam. Real Islam is being practised only in the North; that's why the president should do Sallah in Sokoto or Kano." However, Obi did not make such a statement, and no credible media outlet reported it. These false claims spread rapidly on social media, garnering thousands of views, likes, and reposts.
A post targeting Seyi Tinubu, the incumbent president's son, emerged, claiming he would inherit the presidency and continue where Tinubu left off if anything happened to the president. However, this statement was falsely attributed to Seyi, and there is no law providing for succession in a democratic state like Nigeria. This disinformation pattern also circulated earlier in August, with a user accusing Obi of telling soldiers to refuse a 50% wage increment.
A new trend emerged, with staunch supporters of political candidates uploading screenshots of messages from opposition parties allegedly seeking campaign support. A screenshot post by an Atiku Abubakar supporter included what appears to be a chat from an APC member offering financial remuneration to promote Tinubu's leadership. Another user supporting Peter Obi shared a similar screenshot of an APC campaign offer, which accumulated over 136,800 views and 5,800 likes.
The growing threat of AI-driven disinformation in Nigeria's 2027 election highlights the need for citizens to be cautious when consuming information on social media. The spread of false information can influence voters' choices and undermine the democratic process. As the country approaches the election, it is essential to verify information through credible sources and be aware of the tactics used to create and spread disinformation.
Key points
- - AI-generated disinformation is increasingly targeting political parties and candidates in Nigeria's 2027 election. - Social media platforms, particularly WhatsApp, are being used to spread false information and manipulate public opinion. - The spread of disinformation can influence voters' choices and undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.
