The PUNCH Media Foundation will on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, host a webinar to examine the implications of artificial intelligence and misinformation for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, particularly their potential impact on public trust and electoral integrity.
The webinar, themed, “AI, Misinformation and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections: Safeguarding the Truth, Protecting the Vote,” will hold virtually on Zoom from 11 am to 1 pm West Africa Time.
The event will bring together stakeholders from the media, electoral administration, security, technology and civil society sectors to discuss the growing threat posed by digitally manipulated content and the measures required to safeguard the integrity of election-related information.
Discussions will focus on the increasing sophistication of AI-generated misinformation, the responsibility of newsrooms to verify election-related content, and the roles of electoral institutions, security agencies, technology stakeholders and citizens in promoting credible public information during electoral periods.
The Metro Editor of PUNCH Newspapers, Mr Joel Nwokeoma, will moderate the session, while the discussants include the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc; National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Mohammed Haruna; Director of Projects at the Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation, Mr Mayowa Tijani; Director of Programmes at Yiaga Africa, Ms Cynthia Mbamalu; and Founder of FactsMatterNG, Ms Hannah Ajakaiye.
Speaking on the significance of the webinar, the management of PUNCH Media Foundation said the initiative was informed by the growing need to protect the integrity of public information as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections.
“Artificial intelligence is changing how information is created and shared, presenting both opportunities and serious challenges for our electoral process. As we approach 2027, we believe it is important to bring relevant stakeholders together to examine these challenges before they become more difficult to manage.
“Our expectation is that the conversation will go beyond identifying the risks to exploring practical measures, shared responsibilities and areas of collaboration that can strengthen public trust, promote informed electoral participation and safeguard the integrity of election-related information,” the management stated.
The webinar is expected to provide participants with practical insights into identifying false and manipulated content, strengthening verification practices and promoting accurate communication during electoral periods. It will also explore opportunities for collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address AI-driven misinformation and strengthen public confidence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The webinar is open to members of the public interested in media, technology, governance and electoral integrity.
The PUNCH Media Foundation is the development arm of PUNCH Nigeria Limited. Established in 2019, the Foundation works to stimulate a just, inclusive and thriving civic space through accountability journalism, digital journalism, public policy advocacy and media development.
Through the strategic use of media, technology and advocacy, PMF works to drive sustainable social change in Nigeria.
