A social media activist, Adnan Muktar, has accused Nasarawa State governorship aspirant Ahmed Wadada of circulating an AI-generated photo following a recent political event. The allegation has sparked debate on the use of artificial intelligence in politics ahead of the 2027 elections.
Allegations of AI Photo Manipulation
Muktar claimed that the images were manipulated to create a false impression of grassroots support for Senator Wadada, who is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket. He wrote on Facebook: "This appears AI-generated just by looking at the picture. Wadada should make a genuine effort toward real mobilisation."
Another social media commentator, Datti Assalafiy, also criticized the photo. In a Hausa-language post, he shared what he described as original and manipulated versions, accusing politicians of using technology to mislead supporters. He said: "A New Style of Deception by Politicians. People should look at how some politicians have started using AI technology to create fake images by increasing the number of people who attended their events."
Verification of the Alleged Photo
Checks by Nigeria Live 24 revealed that the alleged AI-generated photo does not appear on Senator Wadada's official Facebook and Instagram pages. However, other photos from the event are present on his social media accounts. The APC governorship aspirant has not publicly responded to the allegations as of the time of this report.
Expert Warning on AI Misuse
Political scientist Ojoma David warned that the alleged use of AI to inflate political support could pose serious concerns for future elections. He described such practices as digital manipulation and urged voters and political leaders to remain cautious.
Background on Nasarawa Politics
Earlier, a sociopolitical group, the Nasarawa People Mandate Group, accused Senator Wadada of high-handed actions. In a statement, the group alleged that the aspirant has turned the political contest into a game of blackmail and strong-arm tactics, warning that his actions could bring chaos to the APC and cost the party victory in the upcoming elections.
The controversy highlights the growing role of artificial intelligence in Nigerian politics, with experts calling for stricter regulations to prevent misinformation.
