I Never Said 2027 Will Be War, Video Is Deepfake & AI-Manipulated – Ajimobi

In a swift response to a viral video making the rounds on social media, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, has categorically denied making inflammatory remarks about the 2027 gubernatorial elections in Oyo State. The video, which purportedly shows her declaring “war” on the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) government, has been dismissed as a sophisticated deepfake created using artificial intelligence (AI).

The controversial clip, captured during what appears to be a Renewed Hope/Unity tour event, features Ajimobi allegedly stating: “We’re going to war in 2027. That’s what I tell you, it is going to be a head-on war. PDP must go whatever they want do or try tricks… We have money, they have in this state. We the federal level all support need not going to be intimidated… Let them get ready for us.” The video, lasting about 47 seconds, shows Ajimobi speaking passionately at a gathering, surrounded by party members dressed in blue attire, with visible lip movements and gestures that have raised suspicions of manipulation.

In an official statement released today, titled “Refutation of Fraudulent AI-Generated Video Purporting to Feature Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi,” her office described the video as a “misleading and malicious” fabrication. “Our attention has been drawn to a misleading and malicious video currently in circulation across social media platforms, falsely portraying Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi as making comments relating to the 2027 gubernatorial elections,” the statement read.

It further confirmed through a “thorough digital forensic assessment” that the video is inauthentic, produced via generative AI that altered facial movements and voice patterns to convey statements Ajimobi never made. “The remarks in the video were never made by me. This content is entirely fabricated, and it is designed to mislead the public and create confusion ahead of the 2027 elections,” Ajimobi was quoted as saying in reports from local outlets.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion on X (formerly Twitter), with users sharing the clip and debating its authenticity. One post from Hon. Jesugbemi highlighted the alleged quote: “‘PDP must go We are going to war in 2027 Oyo Guber; we have the Federal backing and the money’ — Florence Ajimobi.” Another user, ArugboBoisi, pondered Ajimobi’s rising influence in Oyo politics, noting her transition from party chieftain to ambassador-designate. Oyo Affairs amplified the denial, linking to their coverage: “Florence Ajimobi Denies Viral 2027 Election Video, Warns Against AI Fake News.”

Ajimobi’s statement condemned the “abuse of artificial intelligence in the political space,” calling it a “troubling example of synthetic deception” increasingly used to distort narratives ahead of elections. “This incident represents a troubling example of synthetic deception, a tactic increasingly deployed to mislead the public and distort political narratives ahead of electoral cycles. The impersonation of respected public figures through AI-generated content poses a serious threat to credible political engagement and democratic values,” it emphasized.

She urged the public, media organizations, and security agencies to disregard the video and prioritize verification. “In this era of digital manipulation, it is vital to verify the source and authenticity of videos and reports before sharing. We urge everyone to treat this video as a malicious hoax and avoid spreading misinformation.” The former First Lady warned that such AI-manipulated content can distort public opinion, incite tension, and undermine democratic discourse, echoing broader concerns about deepfakes in Nigerian politics.

Dr. Ajimobi, born on April 5, 1959, to a Nigerian-Lebanese family in what is now Delta State, rose to prominence as the wife of the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who served as Oyo State Governor from 2011 to 2019. A businesswoman with a strong acumen, she has been a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and continues to uphold her husband’s legacy in Oyo politics. Following his passing in 2020, she has maintained influence, recently nominated as an ambassador.

In conclusion, the statement reaffirmed her commitment to “truth, integrity, and the democratic process,” adding that “all legal options remain open, and appropriate action will be taken against the originators and deliberate disseminators of this fraudulent and misleading material.” As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, this episode underscores the growing menace of AI in political misinformation, prompting calls for stricter regulations on digital content.