As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general election, concerns are mounting over the growing influence of artificial intelligence, AI, misinformation and declining public trust in democratic institutions.
Former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, says the credibility of the electoral process depends on transparency and active citizen participation.
At the 26th NECCI Public Relations Roundtable in Lagos, communication professionals and other stakeholders examined the impact of artificial intelligence on information integrity and democratic discourse, calling for responsible technology use, ethical communication and stronger safeguards against disinformation.
With AI-generated content and misinformation threatening public trust, experts say urgent action is needed to protect Nigeria’s information space ahead of the 2027 elections.
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Ezekwesili says INEC must rebuild public trust through transparency and citizens’ participation in every stage of the electoral process.
Nkechi Ali-balogun NECCI Founder and Convener, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, says the growing spread of deepfakes, false narratives and misleading online content makes urgent action necessary.
Other participants say AI can improve communication and professional practice, but warn that its misuse could deepen divisions and distort public perception.
At the close of event, experts say government, media organisations, technology platforms and citizens must work together to strengthen fact-checking, demand accountability and verify information before sharing it.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
