The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its election result verification process ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan stated in a video circulating on social media that the commission has established a dedicated AI division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department.
The development comes as INEC prepares for the 2027 elections, with the presidential and national assembly elections scheduled for January 2027.
According to Amupitan, INEC has integrated automated AI auditing tools into its results verification process as part of a five-pillar AI governance framework.
He emphasized that the use of AI would be subject to mandatory human oversight, implying that the technology would support the electoral process rather than independently making electoral decisions.
“The commission has established a dedicated artificial intelligence division within the ICT departments.
“Automated AI auditing tools have been integrated into our result verification process under a five-pillar AI governance framework operating under mandatory human oversight.”
The commission was finalizing an AI governance framework policy to direct the use of the technology, according to the INEC chairman.
He stated that the commission was collaborating with international technology leaders and partners to develop AI-powered tools for the 2027 election process.
Amupitan stated that the AI tools would also be used to detect anomalies in INEC systems and monitor database traffic.
He added that the technology will help protect the commission’s public portals from cyber intrusions and unauthorized alterations.
“In partnership with international technology leaders and partners, we’re integrating our AI-driven anomaly detection tools to monitor database traffic and shield our public portals against cyber intrusions or unauthorised alterations.”
The most recent development is a component of INEC’s larger strategy to increase the use of technology in advance of the 2027 general election, which the commission has stated will call for improved operational procedures and technological safeguards.