INEC raises alarm over deepfakes, fake news ahead of Ekiti governorship poll

By David Lawani, Abuja

Nigeria’s electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has sounded a strong warning over the growing threat of deepfakes, fake news, and manipulated online content ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State.

The commission cautioned journalists, broadcasters, and digital media operators against spreading unverified information capable of triggering unrest, insisting that the integrity of the election could be undermined by misinformation and foreign information manipulation.

The warning was issued during a strategic meeting between INEC officials and media executives in Ado-Ekiti, where the electoral body described the forthcoming poll as a major test of Nigeria’s democratic resilience ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed that preparations for the election, including staff training and deployment of sensitive materials, were progressing smoothly. However, he warned that the digital information space remained an unpredictable threat to peaceful conduct of the poll.

According to him, fake election reports, doctored videos, and sensational headlines could create panic, mislead voters, and destabilise the state if not properly checked.

Also speaking, Adedayo Oketola said fake news and deepfakes now constitute one of the gravest dangers facing credible elections globally, stressing the need for collaboration between electoral authorities and the media.

INEC National Commissioner in charge of Information and Voter Education, Mohammed Haruna, reminded broadcasters of their obligations under the Electoral Act, warning against premature declaration of results and biased coverage during the election period.

Haruna urged media organisations to intensify voter education campaigns in English, Yoruba, and other local dialects to ensure voters fully understand the electronic systems being introduced to strengthen electoral transparency.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) said it had begun reforms aimed at sanitising the online media space and enforcing ethical standards among digital reporters.

The Ekiti State Chairman of the NUJ, Kayode Babatuyi, revealed that the union was working to bring independent online journalists under a formal regulatory structure to improve accountability and professionalism.

INEC assured journalists that its communication channels would remain active throughout the election period to enable reporters verify sensitive information before publication or broadcast.

Political observers say the commission’s latest intervention reflects growing concerns over the influence of artificial intelligence-generated propaganda and coordinated online misinformation campaigns on Nigeria’s electoral process.