Aisha Yesufu F!res Back At INEC Over AI Proposal, Demands Accountability Before Elections

A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Aisha Yesufu, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its reported proposal to use artificial intelligence (AI) in collating results for the 2027 general elections.

Yesufu expressed her opposition in a video shared on X, arguing that the electoral body should not rely on artificial intelligence for the process.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the human rights activist cited concerns over the experience of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with artificial intelligence, claiming that some companies were still dealing with the repercussions of the commission’s engagement with the technology.

She argued that Nigerians should first prioritise electing leaders who are committed to accountability, transparency and public scrutiny before placing greater reliance on technological solutions in governance.

Yesufu maintained that the quality of leadership remained central to addressing concerns about governance, stressing that the people elected into public office ultimately determine how institutions operate.

Her comments come amid growing discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in Nigeria’s electoral process and the safeguards required to ensure credible elections.

In a separate development, Yesufu also questioned the political influence of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, following his recent remarks about the role of the G5 governors in the 2023 presidential election.

Wike had claimed that the group deliberately allowed Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi to secure votes in parts of the South-South to reduce the electoral advantage of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate at the time.

According to Wike, the strategy was informed by the PDP’s strength in the region and the group’s position regarding Atiku’s candidacy. He, however, said Rivers State was excluded from the arrangement because the group did not want Obi to win there.

Reacting to the claims in a post on X, Yesufu questioned Wike’s assessment of his political relevance and referred to the outcomes of the 2023 senatorial elections involving members of the G5 group.

She also accused the FCT minister of being afraid of life outside government, challenging his claims of political influence.