Artificial Intelligence and Political Communication: Truths and Half Truths in the 2023 Presidential Election

The 2023 Nigerian general election marked a significant departure from previous electoral processes
due to the extensive integration of artificial intelligence (AI). This paper explores the role of AI in
political communication during the presidential election, examining the types of political messages
disseminated to voters. Drawing on qualitative analysis of relevant literature and publications, the
study reveals the pervasive use of AI by political parties, candidates, and supporters to engage
voters with tailored messages. Despite its potential to enhance democracy through increased
accessibility, AI in political communication raises concerns regarding the dissemination of
misinformation and manipulation of public opinion. The study highlights instances of AI-generated
political communication, including deepfake videos, voice cloning, and fake news dissemination,
which distort political discourse and diminish voter agency. Through the lens of the Diffusion of
Innovations theory, the paper underscores the need for critical scrutiny of AI-mediated political
communication to discern truths from half-truths. By identifying and analysing instances of
misinformation and manipulation, this study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the impact
of AI on democratic processes and public discourse.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Political Communication, Misinformation, Deepfake, chatbots,