Orodata, a Nigerian data and civic technology organisation, has highlighted the risks of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated political messaging, following a reported influence attempt in Kenya ahead of its 2027 general election.

Orodata raised the concern in a publication titled “Manufactured Grassroots: Lessons for Civil Society from a Reported AI Influence Attempt in Kenya.”

The report was released officially to the media on Tuesday in Lagos.

The publication draws on a September 2026 threat intelligence report by Anthropic, which documented the use of AI to generate social media posts designed to appear as spontaneous grassroots political commentary.

The Kenyan case involved a pro-government operator who used AI to prepare political messages ahead of the country’s 2027 general election.

The development raises concerns about how AI could be used to manufacture the appearance of public support for political positions, particularly as Nigeria approaches its 2027 general elections.

The reported operation involved generating batches of social media posts that appeared to represent independent public opinion rather than coordinated messaging.

According to Anthropic, the content included messages praising a government official over a proposed electricity tariff increase and narratives suggesting that opposition politicians were divided.

The operation demonstrated how AI could help produce political messages at scale while making coordinated communication appear to be the views of ordinary citizens.

Anthropic said it identified and disrupted the activity. Its assessment found that the campaign remained within a network of inauthentic accounts and did not achieve significant engagement beyond that network.

The company also reported no evidence of government involvement in the operation.

The report has implications for Nigeria.

For Nigeria’s civil society organisations, the case highlights the importance of distinguishing genuine public participation from organised attempts to create misleading impressions of popular opinion.”

As political communication increasingly takes place online, AI-generated content could complicate efforts to establish whether widely circulated political messages reflect authentic citizen views.

The case also points to the importance of scrutinising digital political campaigns without confusing legitimate political expression with coordinated manipulation

.
“For civil society groups, journalists and other stakeholders, the challenge is to recognise potentially misleading online activity while protecting citizens’ ability to express political opinions freely.

The report said that the Kenyan experience provides a relevant case for Nigeria as stakeholders consider the implications of AI-assisted political communication for public debate and democratic participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has dismissed claims that he criticised President Bola Tinubu over the APC governorship primary process in Bauchi State, describing the reports as false and misleading.

Tuggar Clarifies Remarks on APC Primary

Tuggar made the clarification following reactions to a recent interview he granted in Hausa. He insisted that party members should freely choose their candidates through credible and competitive elections.

However, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the former minister said some people had wrongly interpreted his comments.

“Our attention has been drawn to various interpretations and misrepresentations of remarks made by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a recent interview conducted in the Hausa language,” the statement said.

Furthermore, Abdulkadir stressed that Tuggar never criticised or questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks,” the statement added.

Consequently, the statement reaffirmed Tuggar’s loyalty to the President and his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the APC-led administration.

Focus Was Bauchi APC Internal Process

Meanwhile, the statement explained that the interview focused on concerns surrounding internal party activities in Bauchi State.

According to Abdulkadir, Tuggar raised concerns about transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the APC governorship process.

Furthermore, he expressed concern over alleged efforts by another minister from Bauchi State, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to influence the governorship selection process rather than allowing aspirants to test their popularity before party delegates.

“His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have been given a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” Abdulkadir said.

Call for Fairness and Party Unity

In response, the statement noted that President Tinubu had already directed political appointees seeking elective positions to resign within the stipulated timeframe.

Furthermore, it stated that any aspirant interested in contesting remained free to comply with the directive and seek the support of party members.

Consequently, Abdulkadir said Tuggar’s position was driven by a desire to strengthen the APC in Bauchi State and protect confidence in the party’s internal democratic process.

He added that the former minister believes fairness and proper handling of grievances will promote unity and improve the party’s chances in future elections.

Meanwhile, the statement appealed to President Tinubu and APC leaders to consider the concerns raised by stakeholders and take steps to strengthen justice, inclusion, and cohesion within the party.

Furthermore, it reiterated that Tuggar remains committed to President Tinubu, party unity, and policies that support development, prosperity, and good governance in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.

External Links

• All Progressives Congress (APC)
• Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Presidency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Atiku Abubakar has faulted Nyesom Wike’s claim that the African Democratic Congress will not secure up to 10 per cent of votes in Rivers State during the 2027 presidential election.

Atiku Rejects Wike’s Prediction

The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over remarks he made about the party’s chances in Rivers State.

Wike had stated that Atiku and the ADC would fail to secure up to 10 per cent of votes cast in the state during the 2027 presidential election.

The former Rivers State governor made the comment on Saturday during a luncheon organised for candidates of the Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Wike, no candidate from any other political party would win the governorship election in Rivers State except the candidate endorsed by his Rainbow Coalition.

Rivers Voters Will Decide, Says Atiku

However, Atiku dismissed the minister’s position and insisted that Rivers voters have the intelligence and freedom to decide who they support at the polls.

Reacting through a statement issued on Monday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former Vice President said no individual can dictate how an entire state will vote.

Furthermore, Atiku argued that political influence and access to federal power do not give anyone ownership of the electorate.

He said Wike’s comments suggested that he views Rivers State votes as his personal property.

ADC Coalition Raising Concerns

Meanwhile, Atiku claimed that the minister’s remarks exposed growing concern within President Bola Tinubu’s political camp over the emergence of a strong opposition coalition under the ADC platform.

Consequently, he maintained that Nigerians are paying more attention to issues affecting their daily lives than political forecasts.

According to him, citizens remain worried about the rising cost of living, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship across the country.

Furthermore, Atiku said the focus of leaders should remain on governance and addressing national challenges rather than engaging in constant election campaigns.

External Links

• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
• Federal Capital Territory Administration
• African Democratic Congress (ADC)

Former Minister of Transportation and ADC presidential aspirant Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has rejected the outcome of the party’s presidential primaries, alleging voter disenfranchisement and widespread electoral malpractice.

Amaechi Rejects Primary Outcome

Furthermore, Amaechi described the announced results as “concocted” and questioned the credibility of the entire process.

He insisted that the primary election failed to meet the standards of transparency and fairness that the party earlier promised its members.

“I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi said.

Meanwhile, the former Rivers State governor stated that he had made his position clear before the exercise. He said he would only accept the outcome if the process remained free, fair, and transparent.

“I will not accept results from a process that does not reflect the values that the ADC had pledged to uphold, to rescue Nigerians from the impunity and gross mismanagement that our country is currently facing in the hands of the ruling party,” he stated.

Amaechi Alleges Voter Disenfranchisement

Furthermore, Amaechi alleged that a large number of party members could not take part in the voting process.

He claimed that many eligible members did not get the chance to cast their votes during the exercise.

“There’s no way that about eighty percent of members of the party were not allowed to vote, and you expect me to accept such results,” he said.

Consequently, he questioned the moral basis of the ADC attacking the ruling party and election managers over electoral issues while allegedly engaging in similar actions internally.

Ex-Minister Questions ADC’s Position

Meanwhile, Amaechi accused the party of acting against the same democratic principles it publicly supports.

He argued that a party that criticises alleged vote buying, election manipulation, and result writing should not face similar accusations within its own structure.

“A party that criticizes the ruling APC and INEC for vote buying, rigging and writing of results, cannot be engaged in vote buying, writing of results, and other electoral malpractices that leads to the disenfranchisement of voters who are party members. This is not acceptable!” he stated.

Furthermore, Amaechi said the ADC was created to give ordinary Nigerians a credible political platform regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social status.

His rejection of the primary outcome may deepen internal tensions within the opposition party after the conclusion of its presidential election process.

External Links

• African Democratic Congress (ADC)
• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
• National Assembly of Nigeria Profile Portal

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will screen former President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday as its only presidential aspirant ahead of the 2027 election cycle, party sources confirmed.

The screening comes as the party prepares nationwide vetting of aspirants for presidential, governorship, National Assembly, and state assembly positions.

PDP Sets Up 14-Member Screening Panel

The PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, has constituted a 14-member committee to screen Jonathan as the sole presidential aspirant.

However, the committee includes former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, former Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang, and former Foreign Affairs Minister Tom Ikimi.

Meanwhile, other members include Chief Olabode George, Babangida Aliyu, Maryam Ciroma, Zainab Maina, Josephine Anenin, Dr. Abdul Bulama, Dr. Esther Uduehi, Edo PDP Chairman Tony Aziegbemi, Dr. Sunday Solarin, and Chief Anicho Okoro, who will serve as administrative secretary.

Jonathan Emerges as Sole Aspirant

Furthermore, party communication only referenced a lone presidential aspirant. However, party inquiries confirmed that Goodluck Jonathan holds that position.

In response, PDP officials said Jonathan has already registered as a party member during a recent digital registration exercise directed by INEC.

Meanwhile, the faction aligned with Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde also confirmed his participation in the process.

Nationwide Screening Exercise Begins

Consequently, the PDP will also screen a large number of aspirants across the country. The party listed 748 House of Representatives aspirants, 198 senatorial aspirants, and 112 governorship aspirants.

Furthermore, it also set screening for 2,122 state House of Assembly aspirants under the same exercise.

The screening process will start on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. across different states.

Party Releases Election Guidelines

However, the Interim National Working Committee (iNWC) released names of screening and appeal panel members to guide the process.

The party said the exercise follows its official timetable for the 2027 general elections. It also stated that it will apply uniform standards nationwide.

Meanwhile, PDP noted that it published the list to ensure transparency and compliance with internal rules.

Madumere Eyes Imo Senate Seat

In a separate development, former Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere declared readiness to contest the Owerri senatorial seat under the PDP.

He said he will focus on restoring visibility and inclusivity for the zone. Furthermore, he promised youth empowerment and job creation if elected.

However, he stressed that he has built political influence across Imo State and beyond.

He added that his supporters remain strong and confident ahead of the 2027 elections.

External Links

• PDP Official Website
• INEC Nigeria
• ThisDay Politics

Former President Goodluck Jonathan says he will consult widely before deciding on a possible return to the 2027 presidential race after Nigerian youths urged him to re-enter frontline politics.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has responded to mounting pressure from youth groups calling on him to contest the 2027 presidential election, saying he has heard their appeal and will not rush a decision.

The former president received youth groups on Thursday at his office in Abuja. They visited him to press for his return to active politics ahead of the next general election.

Meanwhile, the groups argued that his experience remains relevant in shaping Nigeria’s political direction. They urged him to consider stepping back into the race.

Jonathan Keeps Decision Open

However, Jonathan stopped short of making any commitment.

“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I will consult widely before taking any decision,” Jonathan said.

Consequently, he left the door open while signaling that consultations will guide his next political step.

Furthermore, Jonathan used the meeting to call on young Nigerians to push for peaceful, transparent, and credible elections.

He stressed that democracy only works when citizens take part actively and ensure elections reflect the true will of the people.

Voter Apathy Concern

Speaking on participation, Jonathan raised concern over low voter turnout across Nigeria.

“Nigeria has one of the highest levels of voter apathy in all the elections I have observed globally,” he said.

In response, he urged stronger civic responsibility among eligible voters.

Meanwhile, he called on young people to engage more in political processes instead of staying on the sidelines.

He said active participation remains key to strengthening democratic governance in the country.

Furthermore, Jonathan, who led Nigeria from 2010 to 2015, continues to feature in discussions around possible political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

Political observers have repeatedly linked his name to growing debates on opposition restructuring and potential consensus candidacies.

External Links

• Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
• BBC News Nigeria
• Premium Times Nigeria

108Scoop, a dynamic online publication has called on the Nigerians to begin early mobilisation for the 2027 general elections by getting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and be prepared to take part in the democratic process.

PVC Remains Key to Change

The management, staff, and members of 108Scoop in a recent retreat, advised that real change starts when citizens take voting seriously. They stressed that every Nigerian who wants better leadership must first secure a PVC.

However, the group noted that many citizens complained about poor governance but fail to vote during elections. They said the power to shape the future still rests with the people.

A spokesperson for the company, Shalom Nwachukwu, said Nigerians must not stay silent when the time comes to choose leaders at the ballot box.

Political Participation Is a Right

Meanwhile, 108Scoop reminds citizens that voting remains a constitutional right. The company urged youths, workers, traders, and professionals to register, collect their PVC, and stay ready for 2027.

Furthermore, the group said democracy only works when citizens take part actively. It added that refusing to vote gives others the power to decide the nation’s future.

The organisation also encouraged first-time voters to learn the electoral process and stay informed ahead of the polls.

In response, 108Scoop urged Nigerians across all states to speak through their votes. The company said every ballot cast sends a message about the kind of nation citizens want.

Consequently, it called on families, communities, and civil groups to mobilise others to get their PVCs and reject voter apathy.

The group maintained that the change Nigerians seek will begin when more citizens come out, vote, and defend democracy peacefully.

External Links

• Independent National Electoral Commission
• Federal Government of Nigeria
• National Orientation Agency

By Akin Samuel KAYODE

Long before ballots are cast, elections in Nigeria are often decided in silence. Away from the noise of campaign grounds and public declarations, critical alignments are forged, calculations are made, and outcomes are quietly shaped. It is within these unseen corridors of power that the first real contest for 2027 is already underway. At the centre of this evolving political equation stands Atiku Abubakar, a figure whose continued presence in the race appears to generate both strategic concern and calculated resistance.

Across multiple layers of political engagement, there are growing indications of sustained efforts aimed at discouraging Atiku from entering the 2027 presidential contest. These efforts do not always manifest as direct opposition. Rather, they appear through persuasive narratives, subtle pressure, and strategic suggestions framed as political pragmatism. In Nigeria’s political tradition, such patterns are rarely coincidental. They are often rooted in deliberate attempts to reshape the competitive landscape before it fully materialises.

At the heart of this situation lies a fundamental electoral reality, elections are not won by popularity alone, but by viability. Nigeria’s constitutional framework requires not only a plurality of votes but also a minimum of twenty five per cent of votes in at least twenty four states and the Federal Capital Territory. This requirement places a premium on national spread, coalition building, and cross regional appeal. Over the years, Atiku Abubakar has demonstrated a consistent capacity to operate within this demanding structure.

Proponents of alternative candidacies often advance a compelling argument, that the time has come for generational transition and the emergence of new political faces. This position, while understandable and in many respects legitimate, deserves careful interrogation. Political renewal is important, but timing and context are equally critical. Replacing an established national figure with candidates whose support remains unevenly distributed across regions may not necessarily strengthen the opposition’s chances in a high stakes contest against an incumbent.

While not officially stated, observable patterns within the current political environment suggest five possible strategic objectives that may be shaping the broader electoral landscape as 2027 approaches.

First, there appears to be a quiet inclination towards structuring the race in a way that diffuses northern political consolidation. A contest dominated by two southern presidential candidates would naturally fragment voting patterns in the north, thereby reducing the likelihood of a unified electoral bloc. Such a scenario could advantage the incumbent by shifting the contest from direct confrontation to managed division.

Second, the emergence of a strong northern candidate on a credible opposition platform introduces a fundamentally different dynamic. Northern Nigeria, which accounts for a significant share of registered voters, has historically demonstrated the capacity for coordinated electoral behaviour. A candidate with deep roots in the region, combined with national alliances, would significantly complicate any straightforward path to victory for an incumbent.

Third, the enduring principle of power rotation continues to influence political sentiment across the country. In certain quarters, there remains a preference for allowing incumbents to complete what is perceived as a regional tenure cycle. Within this context, the emergence of another southern candidate under a major opposition platform could unintentionally reinforce arguments for continuity rather than change.

Fourth, the dynamics surrounding a potential Peter Obi candidacy require a balanced and structural assessment. His previous electoral outing revealed undeniable momentum, particularly among urban voters and younger demographics. However, electoral outcomes in Nigeria are not determined by enthusiasm alone. They depend on deeply entrenched grassroots structures, cross regional penetration, and the ability to mobilise support in areas where political loyalty is shaped by longstanding networks. The 2023 election results, which reflected significant regional concentration of votes among leading candidates, further underscore the central importance of national spread over isolated strongholds.

Fifth, contemporary political strategy increasingly involves the management of perception and internal cohesion within opposition ranks. There are observable indications that narratives capable of amplifying internal disagreements are being elevated within the political space. Such developments, whether organic or externally influenced, have the potential to weaken opposition coalitions by fostering division and strategic confusion at critical moments.

For supporters of emerging coalitions such as the ADC, emotional alignment must now give way to strategic clarity. Political contests of this magnitude require discipline, coordination, and a shared understanding of the pathway to victory. Without these elements, even the most promising alliances risk fragmentation before they can effectively challenge the status quo.

It is also important to recognise the structural advantage of incumbency within Nigeria’s political system. Control of state machinery, influence over institutional processes, and the power to shape national narratives all contribute to an environment in which incumbents enter electoral contests with significant built in advantages. Any opposition strategy that fails to account for this reality risks underestimating the scale of the challenge ahead.

At the same time, it would be a mistake to underestimate the Nigerian electorate. Voters are increasingly discerning, with expectations shaped by economic pressures, security concerns, and governance outcomes. The modern Nigerian voter is not only attentive to identity and rhetoric, but also to competence, credibility, and the perceived ability to deliver measurable change.

Historically, electoral success in Nigeria has depended on a convergence of factors, geographical spread, voter turnout efficiency, coalition depth, and institutional navigation. No single factor guarantees victory in isolation. It is the alignment of these elements that ultimately determines electoral outcomes. A fragmented opposition does not merely weaken its chances, it simplifies the pathway to victory for the incumbent.

Within this broader framework, the question of Atiku Abubakar’s participation in the 2027 election assumes greater significance. It is not merely about individual ambition, it is about the overall configuration of the contest. His presence introduces a distinct set of alliances, expectations, and electoral possibilities that could reshape the trajectory of the race in ways that are difficult to ignore.

From every careful reading of Nigeria’s political trajectory, one conclusion stands out, decisions made before the campaign season often carry more weight than those made during it. The positioning of candidates, the strength of alliances, and the management of internal cohesion will ultimately determine not just who contests, but who stands a realistic chance of prevailing.

As the nation gradually moves towards 2027, the defining battles may not take place on election day, but in the strategic choices being made today. For the opposition, the challenge is not simply to present candidates, but to present a united and viable alternative capable of withstanding pressure and resisting fragmentation.

In politics, the greatest mistake is not defeat at the polls, it is miscalculation before the race even truly begins, because by then, the outcome may already be set.

ASK writes from Abuja, the heart of Nigeria.

Akin Samuel KAYODE.
Member, Narrative Command Committee.
Secretary, Research, Writing and Grassroot Messaging Committee,
The Narrative Force.
17042026.

Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race may still be months away, but the battle for perception, structure, and momentum has already begun — and it is unfolding loudly on the streets, on social media, and within elite power circles.

At the centre of this brewing storm is a question many Nigerians are now asking in hushed tones and heated debates alike: Is Peter Obi truly ready to do what it takes to become Nigeria’s president?

On one side stands Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and perennial symbol of frugality, calmness, and moral politics. On the other is the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the sitting president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man forged in the furnace of Nigeria’s hard-nosed political machinery.

The Rise of the “City Boy” Movement

In recent weeks, the APC has rolled out what supporters now proudly call the “City Boy Movement” — a branding exercise rooted in Tinubu’s long-cultivated image as a political strategist, kingmaker, and survivor. What began as a slogan has fast become a movement, pulling in key figures from Nigeria’s celebrity, business, and political class. Endorsements are piling up. Social media is buzzing. The message is simple: structure, strength, and continuity.

In Nigerian politics, perception often becomes reality long before votes are cast. Right now, the APC is projecting inevitability.

Obi’s Groundnut Politics and Growing Frustration

Against this backdrop, images of Peter Obi buying groundnuts from market women have gone viral. To his supporters, it is humility. To his critics — even some within his own camp — it is symbolism without strategy.

Nigeria is not a country where elections are won on symbolism alone.

Many Nigerians who passionately backed Obi in 2023 are beginning to voice frustration. They know the terrain. They understand the system. And they are asking hard questions: Can calmness defeat a sitting president? Can moral appeal overcome entrenched political structures? Can empathy alone outmuscle power?

Politics in Nigeria has never been for the faint-hearted.

The Igbo Question and Missed Elite Alliances

Perhaps most damaging to the Obi project is the growing perception that influential figures from his own Igbo constituency are aligning elsewhere — and they have every democratic right to do so. Names like Obi Cubana, Cubana Chief Priest, and other prominent businessmen and social power brokers loom large in public discussions.

Could things have been different if Obi had moved earlier, built bridges more aggressively, and courted elite support without apology?

In Nigerian politics, grassroots energy is vital — but elite consensus often decides outcomes. Every seasoned observer knows this.

A Harsh Political Reality

Let us be blunt: Nigeria’s political history does not reward gentleness. It rewards preparation, alliances, negotiation, and sometimes ruthlessness. The APC understands this. Tinubu understands this. Their machinery is already humming.

Meanwhile, Obi’s measured silence, late reactions, and refusal to engage in political muscle-flexing are being interpreted by many as weakness — fair or not.

The danger for Obi is not that he is wrong in principle, but that he may be politically outpaced.

Has the Battle Already Been Lost?

It may be too early to declare winners in a country as unpredictable as Nigeria. But momentum matters. Narrative matters. Structure matters.

Right now, the “City Boy” movement is setting the tone. Peter Obi, for all his integrity and ideas, risks being boxed into the role of a moral voice rather than a conquering candidate.

If 2027 is to be different, Obi must decide — quickly — whether he wants to inspire Nigeria or fight for Nigeria. History shows that winning the presidency often demands both.

The election has not begun. But the psychological war already has.

And in Nigerian politics, wars lost early are rarely recovered.

The debate is on. Nigerians are watching. The clock is ticking, Obi wake up and fight.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the official timetable for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections, outlining key dates for voting, party primaries, campaigns, and voter registration.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns over the delayed passage of the amended Electoral Act currently before the National Assembly.

INEC had on February 4 indicated that it had completed work on the election timetable and schedule of activities despite the delay.

According to the schedule, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2027. Governorship and State House of Assembly elections will follow two weeks later on Saturday, March 6, 2027.

The commission also outlined the official campaign periods for political parties and candidates. Campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will run from November 18, 2026, to February 19, 2027.

Meanwhile, campaigns for the Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on December 15, 2026, and end on March 5, 2027, exactly 24 hours before the respective election days.

As part of preparations for the polls, INEC announced that Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will commence in April 2026 and conclude in January 2027, giving eligible Nigerians ample time to register or update their voter information.

Political parties are expected to conduct their primaries between July 1 and September 30, 2026, after which they must submit their lists of candidates to the commission between October 1 and October 31, 2026.

The final list of candidates will be published on November 15, 2026.