Abia commissioner warns journalists over AI election falsehoods

Abia State’s information commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, has urged journalists to treat artificial-intelligence-generated falsehoods as a growing threat to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that fabricated images, manipulated video, fake audio and misleading reports could be deployed to influence public opinion.

Speaking at a media retreat in Umuahia, Kanu said political propaganda and coordinated disinformation campaigns could fuel electoral tension and weaken democratic institutions. He cautioned reporters against becoming conduits for fabricated results, deceptive opinion polls, false endorsements and unverified allegations, stressing that viral content was not necessarily true.

The three-day 2026 Media Retreat and Press Week was organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ Abia State Council under the theme, “The Future of Journalism in an Era of Disinformation: Preparing Abia Media Practitioners for Democracy and the 2027 Polls.” More than 50 media practitioners attended.

Kanu called on journalists to put accuracy and verification ahead of speed or sensational headlines. He also urged them to improve their digital skills, fact-checking and investigative reporting, saying AI and other digital technologies had changed how news is gathered, processed and distributed while introducing challenges including deepfakes and misinformation.

His appeal extended to coverage of the state government. Correspondents should independently inspect projects, speak with beneficiaries and report both successes and deficiencies, rather than relying solely on official accounts. “Where government is doing well, report it,” Kanu said. “Where there are shortcomings, bring them to public attention.”

Former information commissioner Ralph Egbu said journalism faced a growing trust deficit, and called on reporters to confront quackery and protect the profession’s integrity. He argued that truth and objectivity remained central ethics, and said AI and money were damaging journalism as the election approached. Veteran journalist Chimdi Oluoha similarly warned that half-truths and misinformation could erode confidence in the media.

INEC chairman Joash Amupitan said electoral risks now extended beyond physical interference and conventional malpractice to information manipulation through digital platforms and AI. He identified synthetic media, voice cloning, deepfakes and automated networks as tools that could mislead voters, inflame tensions, harm reputations and cast doubt on valid results.

INEC said information threats could emerge during voter registration, campaigns, voting, result announcements and post-election disputes. Amupitan called for voter education, digital literacy, technological safeguards and coordinated action by electoral institutions, media organisations, technology companies, security agencies, regulators and civil-society groups.

Steve Oko, chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, said the Abia programme was intended to build journalists’ skills and professional capacity for effective election coverage. The retreat, which began Nov. 4 at Bishop Anthony Nwedo Pastoral Centre in Umuahia, concludes Nov. 6 with awards for distinguished personalities.