Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned political actors against using artificial intelligence to create and circulate false information ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Akpabio said political competition should not be allowed to deepen ethnic, religious or regional divisions, urging candidates to focus on presenting their policies and allow Nigerians to freely decide who to support.
He spoke on Tuesday as the Senate resumed plenary after its annual recess, with political activities for the 2027 elections already underway.
According to Akpabio, candidates should be prepared to defend their records and answer difficult questions rather than resort to violence, intimidation or misinformation.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians. We can contend without setting community against community, faith against faith or one part of our Republic against another,” he said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to conduct campaigns without threatening the country’s unity.
“Let every candidate make a case and answer hard questions. Let every citizen be free to decide. We must reject violence and intimidation, and resist the falsehoods that travel swiftly and leave distrust in their wake,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President also warned that political victories would have little meaning if they came at the cost of human lives.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.
Akpabio reminded politicians that they would still have to live and work together as Nigerians after the elections.
“Let the contest be vigorous, let it be open, and let every participant remember the country that we must live together when the contest is over,” he added.
Senate turns attention to national challenges
With lawmakers back from recess, Akpabio said the Senate would renew its focus on major challenges confronting Nigerians, including insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living.
He said the chamber would use legislation, appropriation and oversight to address these issues, stressing that the Senate could not remain passive while Nigerians faced security threats and economic hardship.
Akpabio expressed sympathy with families whose relatives had been abducted and communities affected by violence and flooding.
He also urged senators to continue carrying out their constitutional responsibilities throughout the election season despite their individual political activities.
“This Senate must show the way. Within these walls sit men and women of different parties, regions and convictions, entrusted with the representation of one Republic,” he said.
Akpabio said lawmakers could disagree politically while still maintaining their responsibility to Nigerians.
“We shall continue to disagree, as a free Parliament must. Yet we must hear one another, conduct our affairs with dignity and fulfil our duties throughout the campaign season,” he added.
Senate President calls for stronger security efforts
Akpabio called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Nigerians being held by armed groups and protect communities affected by insecurity.
He said the Senate would examine additional measures that could be taken through legislation, funding and oversight to strengthen the country’s security response.
“As long as a single Nigerian languishes in captivity, a part of Nigeria is held captive; and this Chamber cannot call itself free of the burden,” Akpabio said.
He added that lawmakers must ensure that citizens are not left to face security threats without adequate protection.
Akpabio highlights pressure on households
Speaking about the economy, Akpabio acknowledged the difficulties facing households and said government policies should ultimately be assessed by their impact on ordinary Nigerians.
“We must examine figures, forecasts and reforms with care. But we must never forget how the economy is felt beyond this Chamber: by the mother counting the cost of a meal, the graduate searching for work and the small business owner striving to keep the doors open,” he said.
On flooding, he called for better preparation and response to disasters, particularly because farmers and households affected by floods can have wider economic consequences.
“A warning must lead to preparation; preparation must lead to protection; and relief must reach the people for whom it is intended,” Akpabio said.
‘Nigeria’s work continues’
As the country prepares to mark its 66th Independence Anniversary on October 1, Akpabio urged senators to approach their responsibilities with renewed commitment to national unity.
He called on lawmakers and political actors to protect the country’s democratic gains and avoid actions that could undermine national cohesion.
“Let us campaign with honour, debate with conviction and serve with humility. We have returned to this Chamber because Nigeria’s work continues,” he said.
The Senate has adjourned plenary until October 13, 2026.
