Deepfakes Threaten Truth and Democracy in Nigeria

Niran Adedokun's article addresses the challenges posed by deepfake technology and misinformation in Nigeria, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2027 elections. It references a recent viral video involving Senator Adam Oshiomhole, which was dismissed by media officials as a poorly crafted fake AI video.

The article outlines how deepfakes contribute to a crisis of trust in democratic institutions, as citizens struggle to differentiate between authentic and manipulated content. It cites research from the Council of Europe, identifying three types of information disorder, and discusses the broader implications of misinformation on public engagement and political accountability.

The erosion of trust in media and government is highlighted as a significant threat to democracy, with citizens facing a dilemma of disengagement or partisan bias. The article concludes that the prevalence of deepfakes undermines the foundation of truth, making it increasingly difficult for citizens to make informed decisions.