The Nigeria Police Force has vowed to intensify efforts to tackle the spread of artificial intelligence-generated disinformation, deepfakes and manipulated digital content ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The move is aimed at preventing the misuse of emerging technologies to mislead voters, damage the reputation of political candidates, create public confusion and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, is expected to lead discussions on the security implications of artificial intelligence and misinformation during a webinar organised by the PUNCH Media Foundation.
The virtual event, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11, 2026, will bring together stakeholders from the media, electoral administration, security agencies, technology industry and civil society organisations.
The webinar, themed, “AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote,” will examine the growing threat of digitally manipulated information and measures to protect electoral integrity.
Disu is expected to address issues surrounding electoral security, public safety, threat verification and coordination among security agencies.
The Independent National Electoral Commission’s National Commissioner, Mohammed Haruna, will also participate in the discussion, focusing on the commission’s responsibilities in protecting the credibility of the electoral process.
The concerns surrounding AI-generated disinformation have increased as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections.
Artificial intelligence tools can now generate convincing videos, images and audio recordings capable of impersonating political leaders, electoral officials and other public figures.
Such materials could be circulated on social media platforms to spread false announcements, fabricate political statements, manipulate public opinion and create tensions among supporters of different political parties.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also warned that deepfakes, voice cloning and coordinated online campaigns could threaten the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, previously called for stronger collaboration among electoral institutions, media organisations, technology companies, security agencies and civil society groups to address the emerging threats.
The commission has also disclosed plans to strengthen its technological capacity to monitor digital threats, identify manipulated content and respond to misleading information.
Similarly, the Federal Government has expressed concern over the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread political falsehoods and undermine public confidence.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, recently discussed the need for stronger international cooperation in tackling misinformation ahead of the elections during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Peter Vowles.
The PUNCH Media Foundation said its webinar would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine practical solutions, strengthen cooperation and promote responsible use of artificial intelligence during the electoral period.
The discussions are expected to contribute to efforts to protect voters from misleading information and ensure that citizens have access to credible information before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
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