Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division within its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department as part of efforts to strengthen election results verification and tackle disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the development on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during a press conference and national stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. He said the commission had also integrated automated AI auditing tools into its results verification process, with human oversight remaining a central requirement.
According to reports by Punch Newspapers and TheCable, the initiative is intended to help electoral officials identify discrepancies in results and respond more effectively to the growing threat of digitally manipulated information.
Also Read: NDC accuses INEC of denying access code for candidates’ nomination
INEC Targets Election Fraud and AI-Generated Disinformation
The commission’s move comes as artificial intelligence makes it easier to create convincing fake videos, cloned voices, fabricated documents and misleading social media posts. During an election period, such material could be used to impersonate officials, circulate false results or create confusion among voters.
Amupitan warned that the danger extends beyond individual false reports. The circulation of realistic but fabricated content could also weaken public confidence in genuine information released by electoral authorities.
To address these risks, INEC is integrating AI-driven anomaly detection tools into its electoral processes. Such systems can help flag unusual patterns or inconsistencies in data for further examination by authorised officials.
The commission is also working with international technology partners as it develops its approach to responsible AI adoption. However, the chairman stressed that the technology would not operate independently of human decision-makers.
The commission is finalising an AI governance policy to guide the deployment of these tools, including safeguards intended to ensure that the technology supports rather than replaces the work of election officials.
Human Oversight and Public Trust Remain Essential
Although AI can help identify irregularities, its effectiveness will depend on the quality of the information it receives, the reliability of its systems and the ability of trained personnel to assess its findings.
An anomaly detected by an AI system does not automatically prove that election fraud has occurred. Differences in records may require further investigation, and electoral officials must establish the facts before taking action.
INEC’s commitment to human oversight is therefore important. Transparent procedures will be necessary to explain how flagged discrepancies are investigated, who makes final decisions and how affected parties can challenge errors.
Cybersecurity and data protection will also be critical as the commission expands its use of technology. Electoral systems handle sensitive information, and weaknesses in their security could expose them to unauthorised access, manipulation or disruption.
The success of the initiative will ultimately depend on more than the introduction of AI software. Nigerians will need credible evidence that the systems are reliable, that safeguards are enforced and that the technology is applied consistently throughout the electoral process.
Back Story: INEC’s Earlier Push for Artificial Intelligence
INEC’s latest announcement builds on an initiative that predates the current preparations for the 2027 elections. In May 2025, the commission approved the creation of an AI Division under its ICT Department to coordinate the use of emerging technologies in election administration.
As reported by Punch Newspapers, the original plan covered more than election results. It also identified potential applications in risk management, voter services, logistical planning, polling unit allocation and the distribution of election materials.
In September 2026, Amupitan also discussed the commission’s use of AI-assisted results management at an international conference on responsible AI and elections in Ottawa, Canada. According to The Guardian Nigeria, the commission had begun deploying AI tools to help identify discrepancies in election result records.
These developments suggest that INEC is seeking to establish AI as part of its wider electoral administration strategy rather than treating it as a single-purpose technology.
With the 2027 elections approaching, attention will turn to how effectively the commission implements its safeguards and communicates its progress to voters, political parties and election observers. Ultimately, technology can support electoral integrity, but public confidence will depend on transparent processes, accountable officials and verifiable results.
