AI-generated campaign photos of Wadada stir controversy in Nasarawa

Campaign photos of Nasarawa State governorship aspirant, Ahmed Wadada, have sparked controversy online over alleged manipulation with artificial intelligence technology to exaggerate crowd at the event.

While the original photos are being circulated side-by-side with the AI-altered ones, commentators online and a political scientist have decried how politicians resort to use of AI to manipulate the public ahead of the 2027 elections.

The emergence of the manipulated pictures has since sparked heated debate across political circles in Nasarawa State, with observers calling for accountability and authenticity as the race for the governorship ticket gathers momentum.

A prominent activist, Adnan Muktar, writing on Facebook, accused the All Progressives Congress (APC ) governorship aspirant of using artificial intelligence to exaggerate his popularity.

Mr Mukhtar, criticized Wadada over what he described as “digitally manipulated crowd images” circulated on social media following the aspirant’s recent visit to Keffi.

Mukhtar wrote on his Facebook page: “ This appears AI-generated just by looking at the picture. Wadada should make a genuine effort towards real mobilisation. He has fallen short with this so-called welcome home event, especially after Governor Sule publicly declared him as his preferred successor.”

The controversy erupted after photos surfaced online purportedly showing a massive crowd for Wadada in his hometown.

However, skeptics were quick to question the authenticity of the images alleging that the visuals were artificially generated to mislead the public and project an inflated sense of grassroots support.

In a strongly worded reaction, the activist warned political actors against resorting to “deceptive digital tactics,” stressing that such actions undermine public trust and distort the democratic process.

Another prominent social media user, Datti Assalafiy, writing in Hausa, condemned what he described as tricks by politicians to deceive using the prevailing AI technology.

Juxtaposing the real and manipulated images, the influencer partly wrote: “This is how politicians would be deceiving the people and leaders to present fake popularity. I see no reason why anyone will fake popularity”.

A political scientist, Dr Ojoma David warned that manipulations using AI amounts to “sophisticated rigging” and admonished voters and leaders to watch out for such manipulations.