Seen a Shocking Election Video? Check It in 2 Minutes Before You Forward It

It’s 11pm, and the family WhatsApp group has exploded. Someone has forwarded a video of a well-known politician saying something outrageous, and Uncle Sani has already typed “SHARE BEFORE THEY DELETE IT!!!” in capitals. Half the group is angry, the other half is laughing, and nobody has asked the obvious question: is it real? With the 2027 elections approaching, these moments will happen almost daily. Here is a simple routine to check election content before you forward it.

To spot election fake news, pause before sharing, check who first published the content, look for the same story on trusted news outlets or official channels such as INEC, and search independent fact-checkers like Dubawa, FactCheckHub and Africa Check. Treat shocking videos, voice notes and “leaked results” with extra suspicion, because AI now makes convincing fakes cheap and fast.

Why election misinformation is a bigger risk in 2027

Fact-checkers have warned that deepfake videos on X, TikTok and Facebook are already appearing ahead of the 2027 elections. Dubawa, a West African fact-checking organisation, has documented AI-generated videos of political figures that were shared widely before being debunked. Analysts also point out that detection tools often struggle with Nigerian accents, local languages and code-switching, so you can’t rely on technology alone to catch fakes.

The aim of most election misinformation is not to make you believe one thing. It is to make you angry, afraid or hopeless enough to share it, argue about it, or stay home on election day.

The 2-minute check before you forward anything

1. Notice your emotion

If a post makes you furious, terrified or thrilled, that is your cue to slow down. Fake content is designed to trigger exactly those feelings.

2. Ask: who first published this?

“Forwarded many times” tells you nothing about the source. Look for the original account or outlet. An anonymous page, a brand-new account or a blurry screenshot of a “breaking news” banner are red flags.

3. Search for it elsewhere

If a major candidate really said something explosive, reputable outlets such as Channels, Premium Times, TheCable, Punch or BBC News Pidgin will be reporting it. If nobody credible has it, wait.

4. Check the fact-checkers

Search the claim on Dubawa, FactCheckHub or Africa Check. Many viral fakes have already been checked.

5. Look and listen closely

• Video: mouths that don’t quite match the words, odd blinking, blurry edges around the face, strange hands, or lighting that changes between frames.
• Audio: a voice that sounds flat, too smooth or oddly paced, with no background noise, or words the person would never normally use.
• Images: warped text on posters, extra fingers, or crowds that look copied and pasted. A reverse image search with Google Lens can show whether a photo is old or from another country.

6. If in doubt, don’t forward

You lose nothing by not sharing something you can’t verify. If you want to respond in the group, a calm “Has anyone confirmed this from a trusted source?” often does more good than an argument.

Fake results: how official results really work

Expect “leaked results” and screenshots of “final figures” on election night. Remember:

• Only INEC and its returning officers can declare official results.
• Under the Electoral Act 2026, polling unit results must be transmitted electronically to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which lets the public view result sheets. IReV is for viewing, not for declaring winners.
• Collation happens in stages, from polling unit to ward, LGA, state and national level, so final results take time.

Treat any “final result” that appears before official announcements as unverified.

How to handle the family WhatsApp group

• Don’t shame people. Many forwarders mean well. Respect for elders matters, so reply privately where you can.
• Share the check, not just the verdict. “I searched Dubawa and found this was made with AI” teaches people how to check for themselves.
• Agree group rules. Some families agree to “no political forwards without a source” until after the elections.
• Protect your peace. If the arguments affect your sleep or mood, mute the group for a while. See our guide to social media and mental health.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if a video is a deepfake?

Look for lips that don’t match the audio, unnatural blinking, blurry or shifting edges around the face, and odd lighting. Then check whether trusted news outlets or fact-checkers have reported it. Detection tools can help, but they often struggle with Nigerian accents and languages, so source-checking matters most.

Where can I check if election news is true in Nigeria?

Search independent fact-checkers such as Dubawa, FactCheckHub and Africa Check, and compare the story with reputable news outlets. For voting information and official results, rely on INEC’s official website and social media accounts, and on INEC’s Result Viewing Portal for polling unit result sheets.

Is it illegal to share fake news in Nigeria?

Some false content can break laws, for example on cybercrime, defamation or electoral offences, depending on what is shared and why. Even when it isn’t illegal, spreading false election content can cause real harm. The safest rule is simple: if you can’t verify it, don’t forward it.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to be a tech expert to fight misinformation. You only need to pause, check the source and refuse to be rushed. In a season when emotions run high, that two-minute habit is a quiet act of leadership in your family and community.

Make sure your own vote counts too: read our guide on how to check and collect your PVC, and join the Mindset.ng newsletter.

Related reading

• That voice note sounds like your uncle. It might not be
• How to avoid online scams in Nigeria
• Emotional intelligence: what it is and how to improve it

Sources

• Dubawa. AI-generated disinformation looms ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections.
• TechCabal (13 March 2026). Nigeria’s 2027 election may be decided by algorithms before anyone votes.
• TechCabal (28 August 2025). Road to 2027: Preparing for Nigerian elections in a world of AI deepfakes.
• Channels Television (22 February 2026). National Assembly highlights key reforms in Electoral Act 2026.

Written and fact-checked by the Mindset.ng Editorial Team in line with our Editorial Policy. Mindset.ng is non-partisan and does not support any party or candidate. This article is not legal advice. Last updated: 7 October 2026.