Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and vice-presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has questioned the authenticity of videos circulating online that appear to show support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in parts of Northern Nigeria.
During an interview with ARISE TV, Kwankwaso was asked about the videos associated with the phrase “Sai Atiku.” He reportedly responded: “I think that is AI.”
The comment comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political messages, videos and campaign-related content circulating across social media platforms.
Questions Over Digital Political Content
Artificial intelligence-generated or manipulated media can make it difficult for viewers to establish the origin and authenticity of visual content.
However, a brief comment questioning whether a video is AI-generated does not independently establish that a particular recording was fabricated or altered.
Verification of the videos would require examination of the original files, their source accounts, publication history and available evidence concerning their production.
Political Competition Ahead of 2027
The reported exchange takes place amid competing political narratives involving Kwankwaso, Atiku and other political figures seeking support ahead of the election.
Online videos and social media messages can form part of political communication, but their circulation alone does not establish the size or distribution of public support.
Need for Verification
The authenticity of the specific videos referenced in the interview should be assessed individually.
Political reporting on such content requires clear distinction between a politician’s assessment, an independently verified finding and an unsubstantiated claim about digital manipulation.