President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has warned political actors against using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread false information ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio urged politicians to avoid using the electoral process to promote communal, religious or regional divisions.
He spoke on Tuesday while delivering his welcome address as the Senate resumed plenary after its two-month annual recess, which began on July 23, 2026.
The Senate President noted that campaigns for the 2027 elections had already commenced, with political parties selecting their candidates.
He urged candidates to clearly present their programmes and allow Nigerians to freely choose who they want to elect.
“Those who seek office need not see eye to eye in order to walk hand in hand as Nigerians,” Akpabio said.
He called on candidates to engage in vigorous but peaceful campaigns without setting communities, religious groups or regions against one another.
Akpabio also warned against violence, intimidation and the spread of falsehoods, particularly misinformation that can rapidly circulate through digital platforms.
“No electoral prize is worth a Nigerian life. No victory deserves celebration if it leaves the nation wounded,” he said.
He reminded politicians that they would remain Nigerians and continue to live together after the elections.
Akpabio further pledged that the Senate would renew its focus on insecurity, flooding and the rising cost of living as lawmakers resume legislative activities.
He said the Senate would use legislation, appropriation and oversight to address challenges affecting citizens.
The Senate President expressed sympathy with families whose relatives had been abducted and communities affected by violence and flooding.
He said the Senate could not afford to remain passive while Nigerians continued to face such challenges.
According to him, the suspension of plenary during the recess did not mean that the problems confronting Nigerians had stopped.
Akpabio therefore urged senators to maintain their legislative and oversight responsibilities throughout the election season.
He said political differences among senators should not prevent them from carrying out their constitutional duties.
“This Senate must show the way,” he said, stressing that lawmakers from different parties, regions and ideological backgrounds could disagree while still working for the country.
Akpabio said senators must continue to conduct their affairs with dignity and fulfil their responsibilities until the end of their mandates, despite the political activities surrounding the 2027 elections.
