The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned Nigerians against fake audio and video announcements claiming the postponement of the 2027 general elections.
The commission said malicious actors could use artificial intelligence (AI) to create convincing recordings shortly before voting begins.
INEC warned that such content could spread quickly and confuse voters before authorities have time to respond.
The commission’s chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, raised the concern on Monday in Abuja.
He spoke at the opening of the National Summit on Electoral Information Integrity, themed, “Beyond the Ballot: AI, FIMI, and the Integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 Elections.”
INEC Identifies Election Eve as High-Risk Period
Amupitan said the period immediately before an election was particularly vulnerable to digital manipulation.
He warned that those behind false information could deliberately release fabricated announcements when verification channels were less responsive.
According to him, waiting until misleading content goes viral could make corrections less effective.
“When a manipulated video achieves viral saturation within thirty minutes of release, a formal text rebuttal issued three hours later struggles to undo the cognitive damage,” he said.
The INEC chairman cited the 2023 Slovak parliamentary election as an example.
During that election, an AI-generated audio recording allegedly featuring a party leader discussing vote buying circulated two days before voting.
The recording spread during an election silence period. Amupitan said fact-checkers, electoral authorities and media organisations could not respond in time.
Commission Plans Faster Response to Fake Content
To tackle the threat, Amupitan said INEC was developing internal systems to debunk viral misinformation within minutes.
He identified three priorities: real-time response, technological safeguards and voter education.
The commission also plans to teach Nigerians how to verify election information, not just how to vote.
Amupitan said voters must learn to distinguish genuine INEC announcements from fabricated content.
He disclosed that the commission was strengthening its digital infrastructure and working with major social media platforms.
These platforms include TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, Telegram and X.
“We already have an MOU with TikTok,” he said.
INEC Seeks Support From Media, Tech Companies
Amupitan called for stronger cooperation between INEC, social media companies, telecommunications providers, journalists and security agencies.
He urged social media platforms to create fast-track channels for reviewing and flagging manipulated content.
The chairman also asked telecommunications providers and media organisations to maintain clear channels for verified official alerts.
He said independent journalists and fact-checkers should have direct access to designated INEC communication desks.
This would help them confirm information within minutes rather than hours.
The commission also wants the summit to produce clear inter-agency response procedures, permanent fact-checking desks and simulation exercises.
INEC Reassures Nigerians on Freedom of Expression
The chairman warned about the “Liar’s Dividend”, a situation where the existence of AI-generated fake content makes people doubt genuine information.
However, he stressed that INEC’s proposed measures would not target political opinions or restrict freedom of expression.
“The goal is not to police opinion, regulate political debate, or restrict citizens’ freedom of expression. The sole objective is to protect the authenticity of operational election information,” he said.
Amupitan disclosed that the first ballots in the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections would be cast on January 16, 2027.
Under Section 98(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, campaigns must end 24 hours before election day.
Campaigns for the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to end on January 14, 2027. Those for governorship and state assembly elections will close on February 4, 2027.
The INEC chairman said the commission would work with its partners to ensure Nigerians receive reliable election information ahead of the polls.
