2027 ELECTIONS: EXPERTS WARN AGAINST AI DEEPFAKES, DEMANDS NATIONAL FRAMEWORK TO COMBAT MISINFORMATION

The Centre for Crisis Communication has called for the establishment of an integrated national framework to address misinformation, artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and emerging cyber threats ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The organisation warned that the increasing use of artificial intelligence to manipulate digital content could create serious challenges for election security, public trust and national stability, the recommendation was contained in a communiqué issued following the centre’s Second National Symposium on Crisis Communication, held between October 27 and October 28 at the Nigerian Air Force Club in Kaduna. The symposium, which attracted more than 150 participants from security agencies, emergency response institutions, academia, the media and other organisations, focused on inter-agency cooperation, public trust and cyber threat management. Participants identified poor information-sharing, institutional rivalry and conflicting public statements as major challenges affecting crisis communication in Nigeria, they warned that contradictory information from government institutions could confuse citizens, weaken public confidence and complicate emergency response efforts. The centre therefore recommended the establishment of an Integrated National Crisis Information Architecture to coordinate information-sharing and clarify the responsibilities of relevant institutions during emergencies, the proposed framework would also provide guidelines for consistent public communication while protecting sensitive operational information. Participants further called for stronger cooperation between security agencies and media organisations. They emphasised that journalists and media institutions have an important responsibility to provide accurate information during emergencies and periods of national uncertainty, the growing influence of artificial intelligence was another major concern raised during the symposium. AI-generated videos, manipulated audio recordings and fabricated images can make it increasingly difficult for members of the public to distinguish authentic information from misleading content, such technology could be exploited during election campaigns to damage reputations, spread false allegations and manipulate public opinion. The centre encouraged political actors, journalists and media organisations to strengthen digital literacy and responsible communication, the recommendations come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, when political communication and online campaigning are expected to play significant roles. The development highlights the need for stronger cooperation among electoral institutions, security agencies, technology companies and the media, as artificial intelligence continues to evolve, protecting the credibility of public information will remain an important responsibility for Nigeria’s democratic institutions.