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The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Programme has expressed alarm over the growing threat of AI-generated fake news ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between authentic electoral information and fabricated content. This could potentially lead to millions of Nigerians being misled by manipulated images, videos, and audio recordings within a matter of minutes.

Lanre Arogundade, speaking on behalf of the EU-SDGN Programme, emphasized that Nigeria must evaluate whether its electoral institutions, media organizations, technology platforms, and citizens are adequately prepared to identify and respond to these threats. The summit Beyond the Ballot: Safeguarding Electoral Information Integrity in the Age of AI, scheduled for November 2-3, 2026, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, aims to address this pressing issue.

Over 250 participants, including representatives from various sectors, will discuss how AI-generated deepfakes, manipulated images, coordinated disinformation campaigns, and foreign information manipulation could distort electoral information and influence public perceptions.

The summit will also explore practical measures to protect electoral information integrity, including strategies for detecting manipulated content, verifying election-related claims, and strengthening public resilience against disinformation. One of the key components of the event will be an interactive simulation of an AI-driven electoral disinformation crisis, designed to test institutions' response capabilities when misleading content spreads during an election.

The summit seeks to ensure that Nigerians can make informed electoral decisions based on credible information rather than manipulated narratives.