2027: AI should strengthen, not replace INEC, Amupitan says
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has said artificial intelligence should be used to strengthen the electoral process rather than replace the commission’s core functions.
Amupitan stated this while speaking on the role of emerging technologies in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said INEC was exploring the responsible use of artificial intelligence in areas including voter registration, data management and the transmission of election results.
The INEC chairman, however, warned that the growing use of AI-generated content could pose serious risks to the credibility of elections, particularly through the spread of fake videos, audio recordings and images.
He said generative AI had made it cheaper and more difficult to detect manipulated content, while algorithmic micro-targeting could allow conflicting political messages to be directed at different groups of voters.
Amupitan said the commission was auditing its electoral technology systems, including system redundancy, penetration testing and disaster recovery measures, as part of preparations for the 2027 elections.
He also disclosed that INEC was considering a mock presidential election to test voter accreditation, result transmission and the viewing of results under conditions similar to an actual election.
He said the commission would also need to strengthen its communication strategy to ensure voters receive accurate information about electoral procedures and technology.
Amupitan stressed that technology solutions adopted for elections must reflect Nigeria’s realities, including differences in internet access, language and public trust in institutions.
He said INEC would continue to work with media organisations, technology experts, scholars and other stakeholders to improve public understanding of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
