Experts urge stronger information integrity, targeted security measures and inclusive voter education to counter AI-driven misinformation and prevent electoral violence.
ILORIN, Nigeria, Oct. 13, 2026: Electoral experts, media practitioners and institutional representatives have called for coordinated early action to address misinformation, security threats and barriers to inclusive participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The call was made during a monthly discussion organised by CEREDEMS Africa in collaboration with the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies at the University of Ilorin and the Institute of Geopolitical Communications at RUDN University, Russia, to examine emerging electoral risks and opportunities.
The discussion featured findings from the September 2026 Electoral Intelligence Report, which examined information integrity, the distribution of electoral risks and evolving security concerns. Participants highlighted the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos as major centres of electoral risk and information dissemination, urging stakeholders to adopt targeted prevention strategies in vulnerable locations.
A key concern was the growing use of artificial intelligence to produce and circulate misleading political content. Participants discussed how AI-generated material could manipulate public perceptions, undermine trust in electoral institutions and influence voters at different stages of the electoral process.
Mustafa Lawal of Fact-Check Africa highlighted the importance of clearly identifying AI-generated content, particularly material designed to portray political actors favourably while concealing relevant facts. Participants also called for greater transparency and accountability in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deployment of AI and related technologies.
Professor Desmond Okucha of Bingham University and other contributors stressed the need to improve information literacy among Nigerians, particularly young voters, who are increasingly engaging with digital platforms. Political parties were urged to educate their supporters against spreading misinformation, while media organisations were encouraged to maintain balanced, non-partisan reporting and strengthen their financial independence from political interests.
The discussion also addressed electoral justice and violence prevention. Participants called for electoral grievances to be resolved within the timelines prescribed by the Electoral Act, warning that delays could heighten tensions and erode public confidence. They further emphasised the need for independent security operations, appropriate training and accountability for electoral offences.
Inclusive participation was another priority, with participants highlighting the need to improve access for women, young people, persons with disabilities and displaced persons. They called for practical measures to assess compliance with accessibility requirements at polling units and strengthen public education on electoral rights and responsibilities.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) was identified as central to nationwide voter education. Its planned campaign, beginning Thursday, will involve engagement across Nigeria’s 36 states and local governments in collaboration with INEC. Participants also called for increased government funding and timely budget releases to support sustained civic education and community engagement.
As follow-up measures, CEREDEMS Africa will share the September report’s findings with government agencies and relevant stakeholders to support early warning and prevention efforts. The organisation also plans to convene its next monthly discussion in the first week of November.
The meeting concluded with a call for government institutions, political parties, security agencies, the judiciary, media organisations and civil society to take collective responsibility for protecting electoral integrity and promoting peaceful participation in 2027.
For further information, contact CEREDEMS Africa through its official communication channels.
About CEREDEMS Africa
CEREDEMS Africa is an organisation involved in research, public engagement and discussions on electoral issues, democratic governance and security. Through stakeholder engagement and electoral intelligence initiatives, it seeks to support informed decision-making and strengthen efforts to promote credible and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
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