Fact-Check: Viral Image of Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose Fighting Over Ekiti Election Is False

Claim: Photo shows two men fighting in the heat of the Ekiti governorship election.

Verdict: False. The image was AI-generated and is not connected to any election-related event.

Full Story

A photo circulating on social media shows two men appearing to engage in a public fight, with users identifying them as Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose. Posts accompanying the image claim the incident happened in connection with tensions ahead of the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.

Facebook user Adewumi Aremo posted the photo with the caption, “Nawa oooo. On top this small Ekiti, because of Election some people wan knack themselves apako because of politics. Not your fault na, na foundation no straight. Supposed Nigeria is like other better countries that makes politics unattractive over there like civil servants work in Nigeria, how many of you will come to social media to be spill spit on people? Can you just imagine. VOTE NOT FIGHT 

Let peace reign before, during and after the election. Do not sell your vote for 5k and Indomie, it’s a bait. #EkitiDecides #EkitiDecides2026 #GovernorshipElection #INEC #VoteNotFight #APC #PDP”

The image has been shared as alleged evidence of political conflict linked to the election. But findings by NDRFactCheck show that the image is AI-generated. There is no evidence that any such physical altercation occurred between Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose, nor is there any connection between the image and the upcoming Ekiti governorship election.

A review of the image shows indicators consistent with AI-generated content rather than a real-life photograph.

The image shows signs typical of AI generation, including blended facial features, distorted hand positions, irregular clothing details, and background elements that do not match natural human movement.

Apart from the image, no credible report, video, eyewitness account, media coverage, public statement, or official record supports the claim that the incident occurred.

Given both men’s public profiles and the election’s sensitivity, such confrontation would likely have drawn independent reports or several corroborating accounts. No such evidence exists.

The claim therefore relies entirely on a fabricated visual presented as a real event.

Why AI-Generated Election Content Matters 

Election periods create ideal conditions for misleading visuals to spread quickly.

AI tools now make it easier to generate realistic-looking images showing events that never happened. Unlike edited photographs that alter existing scenes, AI-generated content can create entirely fictional moments and present them as authentic.

These images are often designed to:

• create outrage;
• damage reputations;
• provoke political reactions;
• increase engagement online;
• shape public perception.

When attached to elections, fabricated visuals can contribute to confusion and distract attention from verified developments.

Conclusion

The claim that Lere Olayinka and Isaac Fayose were photographed fighting over the upcoming Ekiti governorship election is false. The image is AI-generated, and there is no evidence that such an incident occurred.

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