The Presidency has raised concerns over what it described as deliberate attempts to use religion for political purposes through the spread of manipulated videos and false information on social media platforms.
In a public service announcement issued by the Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy, the Presidency said recent online content involving alleged deepfake videos and fake audio recordings were aimed at portraying President Bola Tinubu negatively and inciting religious divisions among Nigerians.
According to the statement, a manipulated video with fake audio and false attributions was circulated on Wednesday using the identity of an influencer, while another video allegedly involving a religious leader surfaced on Thursday in what it described as a calculated attempt to provoke Muslims against the President.
The Presidency said the pattern of misinformation was becoming increasingly obvious as the political season approaches, accusing “desperate actors” of manufacturing outrage, spreading falsehoods, distorting religious issues, and using emotional manipulation to divide Nigerians for political gain.
It stressed that President Tinubu has always been open about his religious identity as a Muslim married to a Christian, adding that he remains committed to leading a multi-religious nation founded on constitutional freedom of worship, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
The statement recalled that in his 2026 Lent and Ramadan message, the President emphasised that Christianity and Islam share common values including compassion, sacrifice, justice, peace, and love for humanity.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it online and warned citizens against falling for divisive propaganda capable of threatening national unity and public peace.
It further stated that individuals involved in spreading false and inflammatory digital content could face investigation and possible legal action under Nigerian laws relating to cybercrime, incitement, public mischief, and the malicious spread of false information.
