**Safeguarding the 2027 Elections: Experts Call for Strategic AI Deployment** As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, experts in the field of Information Technology are urging the Federal Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure a free, fair, and credible electoral process. At a recent panel discussion at the University of Ibadan, experts highlighted the transformative potential of AI in electoral processes, particularly in voter registration, education, and content creation. AI-powered chatbots, for instance, can provide real-time guidance to millions of Nigerians simultaneously, promoting inclusivity and boosting voter turnout among digitally literate populations. However, the experts also sounded a warning about the risks associated with AI, particularly its capacity to create "digitally true but physically false" content – hyperrealistic fabrications that can bypass human instinct. Such content can be massively targeted and hyper-personalised by algorithms to exploit an individual's specific biases, potentially suppressing voter participation and disenfranchising voters. To counter this threat, the experts called for legislation compelling social media giants to deploy AI algorithms that detect and visibly "badge" every posted item's provenance, indicating the intensity of AI involvement regardless of resharing. They also emphasized the need for transparency measures, rapid fact-checking, and digital literacy campaigns to protect the electoral process. The call for strategic AI deployment is not without precedent. In recent years, AI has been used in various capacities to promote electoral integrity, from voter registration to electoral dispute resolution. However, the 2027 elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to leverage AI in a way that promotes transparency, accountability, and trust in the electoral process. As Professor Adenike Osofisan of the University of Ibadan noted, "The same technology that can be used to manipulate public opinion can also be used to promote democratic values and principles." By harnessing AI in a way that prioritizes transparency and accountability, Nigeria can take a significant step towards ensuring a free, fair, and credible electoral process in 2027. Ultimately, the strategic deployment of AI in the 2027 elections will depend on the collective efforts of government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector. By working together, Nigeria can ensure that AI is used to promote electoral integrity, rather than undermine it.