Usoro Warns Of AI-driven Fake News Threat To Businesses, 2027 Elections

The executive chairman of Miden Systems Limited, Brendan Innocent Usoro, has warned that the growing misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fake news and misinformation poses serious threats to businesses, national security and Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Usoro, according to a statement issued by his media adviser, Obinna Nwachukwu, gave the warning at the Nigerian Press Council (NPC) National Summit on Curbing Fake News and Misinformation in the Nigerian Media Space in Abuja.

At the summit, Usoro received the Excellence in Corporate Governance and Business Integrity Award in recognition of his commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and responsible business practices.

Usoro expressed concern over the use of AI to generate fabricated audio recordings, manipulate videos and circulate misleading reports, warning that such practices were making it increasingly difficult for the public to distinguish credible information from deliberate falsehoods.

The company chairman noted that misinformation had extended beyond political campaigns to become a tool for damaging reputations, undermining businesses, discrediting competitors and creating social tension.

“People use false information to de-market their political opponents, competitors’ products and services, as well as create tension in the polity,” he said.

Usoro warned that the consequences of unchecked misinformation could be far-reaching, including the erosion of public trust, the escalation of ethnic and religious tensions, and the manipulation of citizens’ democratic choices.

He also raised concerns about the potential impact of deepfake technology and coordinated online disinformation campaigns on public confidence in political leaders and democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 elections.

On the business implications, Usoro disclosed that Miden Systems Limited had experienced what he described as the damaging effects of misinformation, alleging that the company and its executives had been targeted following a financial dispute with a commercial bank.

He called for coordinated action involving government agencies, media organisations, technology companies and citizens to tackle the growing challenge.

Usoro urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, particularly sensational messages, photographs and videos circulated on social media. He recommended independent fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa, to establish the authenticity of reports before dissemination.

He also advocated improved training for journalists and fact-checkers, alongside wider access to AI-assisted verification tools to identify and debunk false information more effectively.

Usoro urged technology companies and regulatory agencies, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to strengthen collaboration against malicious synthetic media.

However, he cautioned that efforts to combat misinformation must not undermine press freedom, freedom of expression or legitimate criticism.

Reaffirming his company’s commitment to ethical business dealings, he said Miden Systems Limited remained dedicated to maintaining transparency and integrity in its operations in Nigeria and internationally.