The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has warned against the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political campaigns ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Onanuga called for urgent safeguards to prevent the technology from being exploited to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion and undermine democratic institutions.
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.
According to a State House press release issued on November 5, Onanuga said AI had become an influential tool in electoral campaigns, with politicians and their supporters increasingly using the technology to advance political interests.
He identified social media platforms, including X, Facebook and TikTok, as major channels through which AI-generated videos and images are circulated for political messaging and entertainment.
“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.
“Some political actors use AI to spread falsehoods, some use it satirically for entertainment, and some highlight candidates’ achievements”.
The presidential aide said the growing influence of AI in political communication required greater responsibility from political actors, media organisations and members of the public in creating and sharing digital content.
He warned that without appropriate safeguards, the technology could threaten public trust and the integrity of democratic institutions.
Despite the concerns, Onanuga acknowledged AI’s contributions to different sectors, particularly medicine, mathematics and other areas of scientific advancement.
“Today, AI governs our existence, and we encounter it all the time. In the car, it warns you about your immediate surroundings. It maps your fastest route to your destination. We can go on, citing AI’s Leviathan impact on our lives,” he said.
“I believe we can no longer ignore AI’s penetrating impact, most of it beneficial, unless we want to return to the Stone Age,” he added.
Onanuga also expressed optimism that governments, scientists, individuals and international organisations, including the United Nations, were recognising the need to regulate the technology and address concerns about its growing influence.
He, however, stressed the urgency of establishing safeguards before the technology causes further harm.
“The world must act before it becomes too late. Build guardrails quickly to save humanity,” he concluded.
The 7th World Media Summit brought together media professionals and stakeholders to discuss developments shaping global communication and the future of the media industry.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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