Former Oyo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, has denied involvement in a viral video circulating on social media in which she was portrayed as making inflammatory remarks about the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state.

In a statement issued by her office on Saturday, Dr. Ajimobi addressed the video, which allegedly shows her declaring a political confrontation against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 polls, insisting that the footage was never recorded by her and does not reflect her views.

Titled “Refutation of Fraudulent AI-Generated Video of Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi,” the statement said the clip currently circulating online is deceptive and falsely depicts her making remarks regarding the 2027 gubernatorial elections.

The statement explained that a digital forensic review had been conducted on the footage and concluded that it was fabricated using artificial intelligence. According to her office, the video is a deepfake created through generative AI tools that manipulated lip movements and voice patterns to imitate her.

It stated, “Digital forensic review has confirmed that this video is a synthetic fabrication created using generative Al. The footage is a ‘deepfake,’ where artificial intelligence has been used to manipulate the lip movements and voice to deliver a script that Dr. Ajimobi never spoke.”

The statement further described the video as an example of what it termed the weaponisation of artificial intelligence in politics, warning that such content could be deployed to influence the 2027 political cycle.

“This video is a clear example of the ‘synthetic deception’ that experts have warned will be used to influence the 2027 political cycle. The use of Al to impersonate public figures and manufacture controversial statements is a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of democratic discourse,” the statement said.

Dr. Ajimobi’s office urged the public, media organisations and security agencies to disregard the video and verify the authenticity of politically sensitive content before sharing.

“We urge the public, media houses, and security agencies to treat this content as a malicious hoax. In an era where digital manipulation is becoming increasingly sophisticated, it is vital to verify the source and authenticity of such inflammatory content before distribution,” the statement added.

The clarification followed widespread circulation of a video in which Dr. Ajimobi was portrayed as saying: “we’re going to war in 2027, it’s going to be war, head on war, PDP must go, whatever they want to do, whatever they want to try, whatever trait, all power belong to God, but we’re going to beg God and we’re going to fight them, whatever they have in the state, we have at the federal level, we have money, they have money in the state, we have money in the federal level, we have all the support we need, we’re not going to be intimidated, so let them get ready for us we’re ready for them.”

The statement concluded by affirming her commitment to democratic principles and indicating that legal action may be pursued against those responsible for creating and distributing the video.

“Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi remains committed to the principles of truth and the democratic process. We reserve all legal rights to seek redress against the creators and intentional distributors of this fraudulent media.”

The statement followed widespread circulation of the video on social media, sparkling political debate ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo state. (Arise News)

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