2027: Onanuga warns against misuse of AI in election campaigns
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has urged political actors, media organisations and the public to exercise caution in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Onanuga warned that the growing use of AI-generated images and videos to advance political interests could undermine public trust and the credibility of democratic institutions if left unchecked.
He made the call on Thursday in Beijing, China, while delivering a paper titled, “AI and the Future of Global Communication”, at the 7th World Media Summit organised by Xinhua News Agency and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality.
He said social media platforms, including X, Facebook and TikTok, were increasingly flooded with AI-generated content used to promote political interests, spread falsehoods and entertain audiences.
“We are in the thick of the political season and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, where new political leaders at the national and sub-national levels will be elected.
“AI, for good and bad, has become a powerful tool for electoral contests for politicians and their supporters,” he said.
According to him, while some political actors deploy AI to spread misinformation, others use it for satire and entertainment or to showcase the achievements of candidates.
The presidential aide said the growing influence of the technology in political communication had made it necessary for stakeholders to take greater responsibility for the creation and distribution of digital content.
