The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has announced the establishment of a new INEC AI division as preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections intensify.
The new INEC AI division is said to be a move aimed at enhancing the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s elections.
This was made known in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Olumekun in the statement said that the approval for the creation of the INEC AI division was granted by Yakubu as part of plans to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections.
According to statement, the initiative will enable the commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralised AI governance.
He added that the new initiative will focus on developing AI-driven tools to tackle longstanding challenges such as voter fraud, logistical delays, and data mismanagement.
Additionally, the statement confirmed that the INEC AI division will be used to analyze electoral data in real time, providing insights to prevent irregularities and improve decision-making.
The statement reads in part: “Furthermore, it will strengthen electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards.
“This initiative puts the Commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure.
“It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission.”
The statement further revealed that the details regarding the implementation of the new initiative for the 2027 general elections will be clarified in future official communications.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that this comes amid widespread clamour of the usage of technology to conduct elections in Nigeria.
Many individuals have expressed concerns about the outdated electoral system employed by INEC, highlighting its susceptibility to electoral rigging and manipulation.
Critics argue that the current methods are not only antiquated but also fail to inspire confidence in the democratic process.
In contrast, some experts advocate for the integration of modern technology, suggesting that advancements such as electronic voting systems and real-time result reporting could enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and bolster public trust in election outcomes.
