Table of Contents
- Criticism of the AI-Generated Image
- Details of the Meeting
- Reactions on Social Media
- Official Statement from the Presidency
The Nigerian president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has faced significant criticism for sharing what many critics claim is an AI-generated image of his ‘meeting’ with his Rwandan counterpart.
On Sunday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that he had a private lunch with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris, France, where the two leaders discussed global issues and Africa's role in a rapidly changing world.
In a post on his verified X account, @officialABAT, President Tinubu stated that the meeting aimed to enhance Africa's position within the shifting global landscape.
“This afternoon, I had a private lunch with H. E. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to discuss the current state of global affairs and advancing Africa in an ever-evolving world,” the President wrote.
This meeting occurred shortly after Tinubu left Lagos for Europe on Sunday, December 28, 2025. His spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, previously confirmed in a statement that the President was in Europe to continue his end-of-year break.
However, soon after the post was made, the focus shifted from the content of the meeting to the image accompanying it. Social media users quickly noticed what appeared to be a Grok AI watermark on the photo, leading to widespread reactions and questions regarding the image's authenticity.
The image began trending on X, with many users openly questioning whether the meeting actually occurred.
One user, Baby Yoo, expressed frustration, stating, “Mr. President, please fire whoever created this picture for you to post publicly with the GROK watermark visible. Fire your photographer too. Fire whoever approved this post. Fire your media team as well.”
Another user, Amanda Chinda, commented, “Nigeria has entered the era of ‘it happened, but did it really happen?’”
Ivina also voiced skepticism, saying, “Is Kagame even aware he had this meeting? If he did, he would have at least shared it on his own X account. Something seems off.”
Similarly, Mr. Gerald questioned, “Grok-generated image? Is Kagame aware he had this meeting?”
Mr. Czar added, “Why is there a Grok logo at the bottom right of this image?”
Ademola also raised concerns, stating, “AI-generated image? What is real in this administration at this point? If the handlers can’t even recognize that you cannot use an AI-generated image for an official presidential presentation like this, it’s quite concerning!”
However, in a statement released on Monday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, asserted that the “picture is real and not AI-generated as claimed.”
“Both President Kagame and President Tinubu met in Paris and had lunch together on Sunday. The two leaders later dined with President Macron that same evening. The picture was taken with a phone and, understandably, had poor quality,” Ajayi explained, adding that the photographer “used Grok to enhance the picture quality.”
Was the image of the meeting between President Tinubu and President Kagame AI-generated?
No, the Senior Special Assistant to the President stated that the picture is real and not AI-generated, although it was enhanced using Grok.
What was discussed during the meeting between the two presidents?
President Tinubu and President Kagame discussed global affairs and Africa's role in the changing global landscape during their private lunch.
What were the reactions on social media regarding the image?
Many users on social media questioned the authenticity of the image, with some expressing frustration and skepticism about whether the meeting actually took place.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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