Onanuga Warns AI Could Threaten Democratic Trust Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, has warned that the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political campaigns could undermine democratic institutions and erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onanuga called for urgent safeguards to ensure the responsible use of AI, particularly as political activities and campaigns gather momentum ahead of the elections.

He gave the warning on Thursday in Beijing, China, while delivering a paper titled, “AI and the Future of Global Communication”, at the 7th World Media Summit organised by Xinhua News Agency and the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality.

The statement was signed by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, State House.

The presidential aide observed that social media platforms, including X, Facebook and TikTok, were increasingly inundated with AI-generated videos and images being used to promote political interests and entertain audiences.

He said AI had become a powerful tool for politicians and their supporters in the ongoing political activities, with some using the technology to spread falsehoods, while others deploy it for satire and to showcase candidates’ achievements.

“We are in the thick of the political season and campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections, where new political leaders at the national and sub-national levels will be elected. AI, for good and bad, has become a powerful tool for electoral contests for politicians and their supporters.

“Some political actors use AI to spread falsehoods, some use it satirically for entertainment, and some highlight candidates’ achievements,” he said.

Onanuga stressed that the growing influence of AI in political communication required greater responsibility from political actors, media organisations and members of the public in creating and sharing digital content.

He warned that without appropriate controls, the technology could be exploited in ways that threaten public confidence and the integrity of democratic institutions.

The presidential aide, however, acknowledged the positive contributions of AI to humanity, particularly in medicine, mathematics and other areas of technological advancement.

According to him, AI has become an integral part of everyday life, helping people navigate their surroundings, identify the fastest routes to their destinations and improve various aspects of human existence.

“Today, AI governs our existence, and we encounter it all the time. In the car, it warns you about your immediate surroundings. It maps your fastest route to your destination. We can go on, citing AI’s Leviathan impact on our lives.

“I believe we can no longer ignore AI’s penetrating impact, most of it beneficial, unless we want to return to the Stone Age,” he added.

Onanuga expressed optimism that individuals, scientists and governments, including the United Nations, were concerned about the direction of AI and were advocating necessary controls.

He urged the international community to act swiftly in establishing safeguards against the potential dangers of the technology.

“The world must act before it becomes too late. Build guardrails quickly to save humanity,” he said.