Peter Obi’s Son Caught in Deepfake Controversy as AI-Generated Video Sparks Outrage
The son of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has been dragged into a swirling controversy after a viral video, suspected to be an AI-generated deepfake, surfaced online, triggering widespread debate and renewed concerns over the rise of political disinformation in Nigeria.
The controversial clip, which gained massive traction on X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Facebook, appears to show Obi making a public defence with remarks attributed to his son.
However, fact-checkers and digital forensic experts have confirmed that the footage was manipulated, with synthetic audio layered onto older recordings of Obi. The altered voice delivered statements never made by the politician, creating a false narrative.
In some versions, Obi’s son was portrayed as issuing a rebuttal on his father’s behalf, but investigators found no credible evidence linking him to any such remarks. Instead, analysts discovered tell-tale signs of artificial generation, pointing to deepfake technology designed to mimic voices and speech patterns.
The development has sparked alarm among digital rights advocates and political analysts, who warn that deepfakes are becoming an increasingly potent weapon in Nigeria’s information space. With production costs falling and accessibility rising, synthetic media is now easier to deploy to mislead citizens, distort public opinion, and damage reputations.
Fact-checking organisations, including Dubawa and FIJ, have dismissed the video as false and cautioned Nigerians against amplifying it further.
They emphasised the importance of relying on verified information, stressing that manipulated content like this not only confuses the public but also undermines trust in democratic processes.
Reactions from social media platforms have so far been mixed. While some posts and accounts sharing the clip have been removed, others remain active, continuing to spread disinformation.
Experts note that even after exposure, deepfakes often succeed in their aim of shaping conversations, forcing targeted individuals and their supporters to issue clarifications.
Neither Peter Obi nor his son has officially commented on the matter, but the incident underscores growing fears about the disruptive potential of AI-driven propaganda ahead of future elections.
Analysts argue that urgent measures—ranging from digital literacy campaigns to stricter platform regulation—are needed to protect Nigeria’s political landscape from further manipulation.
