ADC Demands Proof as APC Alleges Deepfakes in Campaign Row

The African Democratic Congress and the All Progressives Congress have escalated their campaign clash over allegations of digital manipulation and logistics tactics. The APC, through spokesperson Dele Alake, accused the opposition party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of planning to use artificially generated video content and forged documents to undermine the ruling party's presidential rally in Kaduna.

The ADC has firmly rejected these claims, with Phrank Shaibu, the ADC campaign's strategic communications director, calling on the APC to provide concrete evidence for the allegation. Atiku responded directly to the deepfake accusation, stating through Shaibu that he does not require fabricated material to highlight what he characterizes as failures of the current Tinubu administration.

The ADC pivoted focus to the APC's campaign strategies, specifically alleging that the ruling party transported supporters from multiple states to the Kaduna rally, prioritizing attendance numbers over participant safety. The ADC also referenced a reported incident involving supporters traveling to the rally from Sokoto and Abuja.

The ADC has used the exchange to criticize the APC's economic record rather than engage directly with the deepfake allegations. Shaibu argued that Nigerians' dissatisfaction with the government stems from tangible economic concerns, including rising costs and reduced purchasing power, not from opposition propaganda campaigns.

The ADC characterized Alake's statement as a deflection tactic from a campaign defending its record on economic management. The row reflects broader tensions between the two parties as the election cycle intensifies.

The APC has also faced scrutiny over its campaign footprint, with observers noting that presidential campaign activities have been concentrated in a limited number of states. Both parties continue to exchange accusations without providing the specific documentation or evidence each demands of the other.