Onanuga Warns Politicians Against Weaponising AI Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has cautioned politicians and their supporters against the irresponsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onanuga warned that the growing use of AI-generated videos, images and other digital content to advance political interests could undermine democratic institutions, spread misinformation and erode public trust if left unchecked.

He made the call 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 in collaboration with the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality.

The presidential aide observed that social media platforms, including X, Facebook and TikTok, were increasingly flooded with AI-generated content used for political messaging, satire and entertainment.

He noted that with political activities gathering momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, artificial intelligence had become a powerful instrument in electoral contests, capable of being deployed for both constructive and destructive purposes.

“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,” he said.

Onanuga explained that while some political actors deploy the technology to disseminate false information, others use it for satire, entertainment or to showcase the achievements of candidates.

He, however, stressed that the increasing influence of AI in political communication required greater vigilance and responsibility from political actors, media organisations and members of the public.

According to him, stakeholders must exercise caution in creating and sharing digital content to prevent the technology from becoming a tool for manipulating public opinion and weakening democratic processes.

Despite his concerns, Onanuga acknowledged the enormous benefits of artificial intelligence, particularly its contributions to medical innovations, mathematical breakthroughs and other areas of human development.

He described AI as an increasingly indispensable part of modern existence, pointing to its applications in transportation, navigation and everyday activities.

“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,” he said.

He added that humanity could no longer afford to ignore the technology’s growing influence, particularly given its largely beneficial contributions to society.

“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 stated.

The presidential aide expressed optimism that concerns about the direction of artificial intelligence were being recognised globally, with individuals, scientists and international institutions, including the United Nations, advocating measures to regulate its deployment.

He called for urgent global action to establish safeguards that would ensure the technology serves humanity rather than becoming a threat to its future.

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

The 7th World Media Summit brought together media executives, journalists and other stakeholders from different parts of the world to examine emerging developments and challenges shaping global communication.