Nigeria: How the pcoming elections are influeced by the rise of AI disinformation

Nigeria is two months away from its general elections, where incumbent President Bola Tinubu is campaigning against former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and opposition leader Peter Obi. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently released a voter register which is suspected to contain AI-generated images displaying exaggerated facial features and inconsistencies such as duplicate entries, raising concerns about the electoral body's preparedness.

INEC's chairman Joash Amupitan has formed a dedicated unit to monitor AI-related threats and detect deepfakes, but this is not the first time Nigeria has dealt with fabricated images or audio. During the 2023 elections, deepfakes falsely connected candidates to terror activities, aiming to sway public opinion. Experts warn that AI-driven disinformation could significantly impact political discourse and voter behavior, as well as undermine the credibility of INEC.

Election consultant Chibuike Mgbeahuruike emphasized that the real threat lies in the lack of accountability for AI deployment. Nigeria's electoral processes have undergone several technological advancements to enhance transparency and efficiency, but voter apathy and low turnout have been persistent issues, particularly among the youth.