The Presidency on Thursday alleged that some individuals were using religion and manipulated digital content to create political tension ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on its official X handle by the Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy, State House, the Presidency said it had observed the circulation of manipulated and deepfake videos on social media and WhatsApp aimed at portraying President Bola Tinubu negatively and inciting religious division.
According to the statement, one of the videos allegedly used fake audio and false attributions to misrepresent the President, while another was designed to provoke Muslims against Tinubu through a religious narrative.
“Yesterday, it was a manipulated video overlaid with fake audio and false attributions intended to portray President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a negative light through the use of an influencer’s identity.
“Today, it is another deepfake video falsely framed around a religious leader in a calculated attempt to provoke Muslims against the President. The pattern is becoming increasingly obvious,” the statement read.
The Presidency claimed that desperate political actors would continue to spread falsehoods and manipulate religion as the 2027 elections approach.
“As the political season approaches, desperate actors will continue to manufacture outrage, distort faith, manipulate context, spread falsehoods, and push dangerous emotional bait across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups in an attempt to divide Nigerians for political gain,” it added.
The statement maintained that Tinubu remained committed to religious tolerance and national unity
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never hidden who he is. He is a Muslim. He is married to a Christian. He leads a multi-religious nation built on constitutional freedom of worship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence,” it stated.
The Presidency also urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing online content, warning against divisive propaganda and misinformation capable of threatening national peace.
It further warned that individuals spreading false and inflammatory digital content could face investigation under relevant cybercrime and public safety laws.
