How Deepfakes Are Fuelling Disinformation in Nigeria’s Political Scene

Nigerian Politics Increasingly Marred by Deepfake Deception

A disturbing trend of sophisticated digital manipulation has taken root in Nigeria’s political landscape, as deepfake videos and doctored images become weapons of choice in the battle for political influence. These fabrications, which blur the line between reality and fiction, are increasingly used to shape narratives, influence voters, and undermine political opponents.

The phenomenon has grown particularly pronounced in recent months, with numerous instances of digital deception spreading rapidly across social media platforms. Political operatives and their supporters deploy these technologies to create false narratives that can significantly impact public perception.

In October 2024, a fabricated video circulated on TikTok showing former US President Donald Trump apparently addressing Nigerians directly, promising free American visas in exchange for votes. The 15-second clip gained significant traction despite clear signs of manipulation.

That same month, an image went viral purporting to show an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) resident electoral commissioner in Rivers state wearing a cap with President Bola Tinubu’s insignia. The doctored image suggested INEC officials were openly displaying partisan affiliations, potentially compromising the electoral body’s integrity. A similar manipulated image showed Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria Peoples Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, wearing Tinubu’s emblematic cap amid rumors of party defection.

February 2025 saw another Trump-related deepfake emerge on Facebook. The AI-generated video featured a fabricated Trump promising to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), from Nigerian government custody. The video, posted by a page called “Republicans for United States of Biafra,” even included a fictitious ultimatum threatening to cut US aid if Nigeria failed to comply by November 31, 2024.

“Telltale flaws betrayed the genuineness of the posts,” noted digital forensics experts who examined the content. “Trump’s lips moved awkwardly out of sync with his words, and his voice carried an uncanny, robotic edge.” Despite these obvious signs of manipulation, the videos received millions of views online.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has been a frequent target of such manipulations. In May 2025, a doctored image showed him kneeling before President Tinubu, allegedly during Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration in Rome. Valentine Obienyem, Obi’s media adviser, quickly issued a statement condemning the “clearly photoshopped” image and “fabricated narrative.”

Months later, another manipulated image depicted Obi shaking hands with Trump, prompting Obi to publicly denounce it as “fake and doctored,” adding that it was “deliberately designed to confuse, misguide, and distract the public.”

The trend extends beyond politicians to national security concerns. A TikTok video purporting to show a US soldier announcing American military intervention in Nigeria to “end the alleged Christian genocide” circulated widely following Trump’s November 2025 threat to take action against “Islamic terrorists” in Nigeria. Digital forensic analysis revealed the video was created using AI technology, with the soldier’s voice displaying the characteristic flat tone and rhythm changes common in synthetic media.

Even state-level politics has not been spared. In February 2023, AI-generated images of giant statues allegedly being erected for Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia at local roundabouts spread across social media. The fabricated images prompted criticism that the governor was wasting taxpayer money on self-aggrandizement rather than addressing governance issues. Close examination revealed telltale signs of AI generation, including builders on scaffolding with indistinct features and heads.

The proliferation of these digital deceptions poses serious challenges to Nigeria’s democratic processes. As deepfake technology becomes more sophisticated and accessible, distinguishing truth from manipulation grows increasingly difficult for the average citizen. The trend threatens to further polarize an already fractious political environment and undermine public trust in both electoral institutions and authentic political communication.

Media literacy experts and election observers warn that without robust countermeasures and greater public awareness, deepfakes could significantly impact future Nigerian elections, potentially casting doubt on legitimate results and further eroding faith in democratic processes.