INEC Urges Editors to Combat Deepfakes Ahead of Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on editors nationwide to bolster fact-checking and digital verification to counter artificial intelligence-driven deepfakes and disinformation in anticipation of the 2027 general elections. INEC's chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, represented by Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Enugu State, delivered this message at the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2026 in Enugu.

Amupitan highlighted the dangers posed by generative artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, which allow malicious actors to create convincing falsehoods, including fabricated videos and cloned audio recordings. He emphasized that the primary threat of synthetic disinformation lies in its potential to erode public trust in the electoral process, leading to cynicism and disengagement among voters.

Amupitan warned that disinformation could transform elections into emotionally charged battlegrounds, undermining the integrity of the democratic process.