The Presidency has warned Nigerians against the growing spread of deepfake videos and manipulated online content allegedly designed to use religion as a political weapon ahead of the next election season.
In a statement released on Thursday through the Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy, the Presidency said coordinated misinformation campaigns targeting President Bola Tinubu were being circulated across social media and messaging platforms.
According to the statement, one of the latest videos falsely linked a religious leader to comments aimed at turning Muslims against the President.
“We are aware of yet another deliberate attempt to weaponise religion for politics across various online platforms,” the statement read.
The Presidency disclosed that similar manipulated videos and fake audio clips had surfaced previously, with some allegedly using influencers’ identities to spread misleading narratives against Tinubu.
It warned that some political actors were deliberately exploiting religion, emotions and misinformation to create division as political activities ahead of future elections intensify.
“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,” the statement added.
The Presidency stressed that President Tinubu remains committed to religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, noting that he leads a multi-religious country built on constitutional freedom of worship.
It also reminded Nigerians that Tinubu, a Muslim, is married to a Christian and has repeatedly preached unity during major religious celebrations.
Citizens were urged to verify information before sharing content online and avoid contributing to the spread of divisive narratives capable of threatening national unity.
“This is not faith, patriotism or politics. This is coordinated manipulation at scale,” the statement said.
The Presidency further warned that those involved in spreading malicious or false content online could face investigation and prosecution under Nigeria’s cybercrime laws.
