Dapo Olorunyomi, the publisher of Premium Times and CEO of the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), has warned that the 2027 general elections face unprecedented risks from artificial intelligence (AI) used to produce fabricated content.
He cautioned that the increasing sophistication of AI tools could be used to manufacture deceptive materials, including fake election results, deepfake videos, and manipulated audio, all designed to mislead the electorate and undermine democratic processes.
Olorunyomi noted that the shift toward AI-enabled deception presents a fundamental challenge to the media’s ability to provide accurate information. The potential for AI-generated fake results and deepfakes to fuel misinformation during the 2027 polls remains a primary concern for journalists and institutional stakeholders across the country.
Risks to electoral integrity and journalism
The emergence of generative AI has enabled the creation of highly realistic digital content that can be used to impersonate political leaders or present fraudulent data as fact. Unlike traditional misinformation, which often relies on text-based rumours, AI-driven deepfakes can produce audio and video that are nearly indistinguishable from authentic recordings.
This technological leap complicates the work of newsrooms, which must now invest in advanced verification tools to distinguish between authentic footage and synthetic fabrications. If journalists cannot quickly debunk these falsehoods, the public may be swayed by deceptive narratives, potentially leading to civil unrest or a widespread loss of confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The approach to the 2027 general elections presents significant challenges for journalism, particularly because of the increasing use of artificial intelligence to produce fabricated election results, deepfake videos, manipulated audio and other deceptive content,” Olorunyomi stated.
While previous Nigerian election cycles were marked by social media rumours and partisan propaganda, the 2027 cycle is expected to be defined by the speed and realism of AI-generated content. The ability of bad actors to deploy these tools at scale could overwhelm traditional fact-checking mechanisms.
The challenge extends beyond the media to the electorate itself. As political actors increasingly adopt these tools to manipulate public opinion, the capacity of voters to discern truth from falsehood will be tested. The effectiveness of future regulatory frameworks and the technical preparedness of media organisations will determine the level of impact these digital threats have on Nigeria’s democratic stability.
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