2027: Akpabio warns against using AI to spread falsehood

Ahead of the 2027 presidential and general elections, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has warned political actors against using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread falsehoods and deepen divisions in the country.

Akpabio said politicians must ensure that the electoral contest did not become a platform for communal, religious or regional divisions, stressing that political differences should not destroy the bonds holding the country together.

He spoke on Tuesday in his address of welcome as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026.

The Senate President said campaigns for the 2027 elections had begun and political parties had chosen their candidates, urging those seeking elective offices to present their programmes with conviction and allow Nigerians to make their choices freely.

“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.”

“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.”

“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.

Akpabio also urged politicians to remember that they would have to continue living 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 said.

As the Senate resumed plenary, Akpabio pledged a renewed legislative focus on insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living confronting Nigerians.

He said the legislature would intensify its constitutional responsibilities through legislation, appropriation and oversight to address the challenges facing the country.

The Senate President expressed sympathy with families whose loved ones had been abducted and communities affected by violence and flooding, saying the Senate could not afford to remain passive.

According to him, the suspension of plenary during the recess did not mean that the challenges confronting Nigerians had stopped.

He urged the Senate to maintain its legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the election season, despite the political activities involving members of the chamber.

Akpabio said the Senate, comprising lawmakers from different political parties, regions and ideological persuasions, must demonstrate that political differences could coexist with national responsibility.

“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. 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. The people sent us here to serve until the end of our mandate. There is work before us, and we shall remain at our posts in spite of the campaigns,” he said.