The Presidency on Thursday accused some unnamed politicians of deliberately exploiting religion for political gain ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by the Office of Digital Engagement and Strategy, the Presidency warned against attempts to undermine national unity through the spread of digitally manipulated content and disinformation across online platforms.
According to the statement, recent incidents involving fake videos and misleading audio clips were part of a coordinated effort to stir religious tension and discredit President Bola Tinubu.
The Presidency cited a manipulated video allegedly designed to portray the President negatively using an influencer’s identity, as well as another deepfake video falsely involving a religious leader in an attempt to incite Muslims against the President.
It stated that such actions were becoming more frequent as political activities gradually intensified ahead of the next election cycle.
“The pattern is becoming increasingly obvious. As the political season approaches, desperate actors will continue to manufacture outrage, distort faith, manipulate context, spread falsehoods, and push dangerous emotional bait across social media platforms and WhatsApp groups in an attempt to divide Nigerians for political gain,” the statement read.
The Presidency stressed that President Tinubu has consistently promoted religious tolerance and national unity, noting that he is a Muslim married to a Christian and governs a multi-religious nation founded on constitutional freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence.
Referencing the President’s 2026 Lent and Ramadan message, the statement said Tinubu had emphasised the shared values of Christianity and Islam, including compassion, sacrifice, justice, peace, and love for humanity.
The Presidency urged Nigerians to be cautious before sharing inflammatory online content and to question the motives behind attempts to create division among citizens of different faiths.
It further warned that individuals involved in spreading false information capable of threatening public peace and national security would be identified and reported to the appropriate authorities for investigation and possible prosecution under relevant cybercrime and public safety laws.