Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urged Nigerian editors to prioritize digital verification amid growing threats from artificial intelligence-driven deepfakes and fabricated election results, which he warned could erode public trust in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu on Thursday, Amupitan emphasized that malicious actors could now produce convincing videos of electoral officials, clone their voices, and circulate falsified result sheets within minutes of polls closing. The commission, represented by Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, highlighted the urgency of safeguarding democratic processes against synthetic misinformation.
Amupitan warned that deepfakes risked transforming election misinformation from conventional propaganda into
Amupitan disclosed that INEC is addressing the evolving information landscape by establishing a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communications Technology Department. The commission also plans to implement automated checks for election results, urging editors to verify data exclusively through official INEC channels. He explicitly cautioned against publishing or amplifying privately collated results, particularly those shared by political actors on social media. The chairman also linked journalists' economic welfare to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy, stating that poorly remunerated media professionals could be more susceptible to political inducements. Eze Anaba, president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, reiterated the media’s responsibility to hold power accountable and foster diverse civic discourse, while Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, called for a joint rapid-response desk involving newsrooms to counter election misinformation.
The warnings come as Nigeria grapples with escalating concerns over digital disinformation, with INEC’s proactive measures reflecting broader efforts to fortify electoral credibility. Amupitan’s remarks underscored the critical role of media in distinguishing fact from fabrication, a task he described as foundational to maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions. As the 2027 elections approach, the convergence of AI-driven threats and journalistic integrity will remain a focal point for both electoral authorities and the press. The call for collaboration between regulators and media stakeholders highlights the interconnected challenges of safeguarding truth in an era of rapidly advancing technology.