2027 Shockwave: INEC Unleashes Artificial Intelligence To Secure Nigeria’s Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed plans to fully harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in managing future elections.

During a meeting held on Thursday, the Commission officially launched an AI Division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department to enhance electoral operations.

This development was disclosed in a statement by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner for Information and Voter Education. According to him, the Commission acknowledged the transformative role AI can play in improving decision-making, managing risks, and protecting sensitive electoral data.

He emphasized that incorporating AI into INEC’s electoral processes aligns with broader reforms aimed at modernizing the nation’s electoral system.

The statement read:
“In recent months, INEC has participated in several continental conferences focused on the influence of AI on elections. These discussions were driven not only by concerns about AI being used to spread misinformation or manipulate content but also by the immense benefits AI offers—such as data-driven decision-making, risk identification and control, automation of voter services, and geo-spatial intelligence to improve logistics and polling unit planning.

“As a result, the Commission has approved the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department. The aim is to optimize the advantages of AI while countering its potential misuse in the electoral space.

“The new division will enable INEC to better coordinate existing technological tools through centralized AI oversight. It will boost data-driven strategies, strengthen risk management, and improve voter outreach. In addition, AI will support predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards, ultimately enhancing the credibility of the electoral process.

“This move places INEC at the forefront of adopting institutional AI in election management. It also marks a significant stride in the Commission’s ongoing efforts to reform electoral administration through internal policy initiatives.”