Artificial Intelligence and the Crisis of Electoral Integrity in Nigeria: Emerging Threats of Disinformation

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies have significantly transformed the landscape of political communication, introducing sophisticated tools capable of generating and disseminating disinformation at an unprecedented scale. This study examines the implications of AI-driven disinformation on electoral integrity in Nigeria, with specific focus on the 2023 general elections. Using a qualitative research design, the paper draws insights from expert interviews, official reports, and verified online sources to explore how AI-generated content such as deepfakes, synthetic audio, chatbots, and algorithmically amplified fake news shaped public perception, influenced political discourse, and eroded trust in electoral institutions. The findings reveal that politically motivated actors exploited AI tools to manipulate information ecosystems, distort facts, and spread propaganda, thereby undermining the credibility of electoral processes. Moreover, institutional responses by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and related agencies were largely reactive, constrained by limited technical capacity, weak coordination, and absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework. The study argues that safeguarding electoral integrity in the digital era requires proactive governance measures, including the establishment of an electoral cybersecurity task force, stronger collaboration between government institutions and technology platforms, and the development of national AI and data governance policies. It further emphasizes the importance of civic education, digital literacy, and continuous research to build societal resilience against emerging AI threats.