The African Democratic Congress has challenged the All Progressives Congress to provide evidence supporting allegations that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar planned to discredit its presidential campaign using artificial intelligence.
According to The PUNCH, the ADC Presidential Campaign Council’s Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, issued the challenge in a statement on Saturday.
Shaibu responded to allegations by APC campaign spokesperson Dele Alake that the opposition intended to circulate fabricated documents and deepfake videos ahead of the party’s Kaduna rally.
The APC had accused Atiku and the ADC of attempting to manipulate public opinion through misleading online materials.
ADC demands evidence over deepfake allegations
Shaibu dismissed the accusations, describing them as an attempt to distract Nigerians from economic challenges confronting the country.
He demanded that the ruling party provide evidence linking the opposition to the alleged misinformation campaign.
“Alake should produce the evidence: names, dates and forensic findings,” he said.
The ADC spokesperson maintained that accusations involving artificial intelligence should be supported by verifiable facts rather than political statements.
He also criticised the government’s economic policies, citing rising fuel prices and declining purchasing power.
According to him, Nigerians were experiencing genuine financial difficulties that could not be dismissed as opposition propaganda.
ADC questions APC’s Kaduna campaign arrangements
Shaibu further challenged the APC’s explanation concerning a security vehicle photographed near one of its campaign billboards in Kaduna.
He also raised concerns over reports that supporters transported from other states had been left sleeping outdoors before the rally.
The opposition spokesperson questioned the welfare arrangements made for supporters attending the campaign event.
He referenced unconfirmed reports of accidents involving supporters travelling from Sokoto and Abuja, urging the APC to clarify the situation.
Shaibu maintained that the ruling party should focus on addressing Nigerians’ economic concerns instead of blaming opposition parties for criticism.
The controversy comes as political parties intensify campaign activities ahead of the January 2027 presidential election.
