The Presidency has called for urgent global action to curb the growing misuse of Artificial Intelligence in political communication, warning that unchecked use of the technology could weaken democratic institutions, distort electoral processes and erode public trust ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, made the call on Thursday in Beijing, China.
He spoke while presenting 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.
Onanuga said the spread of AI-generated videos, images and other digital content for political purposes has made it necessary for governments, media organisations and technology stakeholders to put safeguards in place against disinformation and manipulation.
According to him, social media platforms, including X, Facebook and TikTok, are increasingly flooded with AI-generated content designed to advance political interests, entertain audiences and influence public opinion.
With political activities and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections gathering pace, the presidential aide said AI has become a powerful instrument in the hands of politicians and their supporters, with the potential to serve both legitimate and destructive ends.
“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.
“Some political actors use AI to spread falsehoods, some use it satirically for entertainment, and some highlight candidates’ achievements,” he said.
He stressed that the growing influence of AI in political communication demands greater responsibility from political actors, media organisations and the general public, particularly in verifying information before creating, publishing or sharing digital content.
While acknowledging the dangers of the technology, Onanuga cautioned against overlooking its enormous contributions to human development, especially in medicine, mathematics and other areas of scientific innovation.
He noted that AI is now deeply embedded in everyday life, citing its use in vehicle safety systems, navigation and other technological solutions that have improved human efficiency and convenience.
“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.
“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.
The presidential aide expressed optimism that concerns over the rising influence of AI are receiving attention globally, with individuals, scientists and governments, including the United Nations, advocating appropriate measures to regulate its development and deployment.
He, however, urged the international community to move swiftly beyond discussions and turn concerns into concrete safeguards, warning that failure to act could expose humanity to the harmful consequences of unchecked artificial intelligence.
“The world must act before it becomes too late. Build guardrails quickly to save humanity,” he added.
