The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) plan to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools into aspects of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections has sparked criticism from opposition groups and other Nigerians, who have raised concerns about transparency, security and public confidence in election results.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the initiative in Abuja during a press conference and national stakeholders’ meeting marking 100 days to the first ballot of the 2027 elections.
Amupitan disclosed that the Commission had established a dedicated AI Division and begun integrating AI-powered tools into its election results verification and cybersecurity systems, The News Edition reports.
According to him, the technology would operate under a five-pillar AI Governance Framework, with mandatory human oversight. He added that INEC was finalising a policy to guide the deployment of the technology.
The Commission is also integrating AI-driven anomaly detection tools to monitor database traffic and protect its public portals against cyberattacks and unauthorised alterations.
INEC Warns Against Deepfakes and AI-Generated Election Content
While outlining the potential security benefits of AI, Amupitan warned that generative AI, voice cloning and deepfake videos could pose serious threats to the credibility of elections.
He said the technology could be used to fabricate the voices of election officials, manipulate result sheets and produce fake official documents, making it difficult for the public to distinguish genuine information from fabricated content.
The INEC chairman urged media organisations to establish fact-checking desks and verify election-related information with the Commission before publication.
He stressed that accuracy should take priority over speed when reporting election results.
Obidient Movement Rejects AI in Results Collation
The Obidient Movement has rejected the proposed use of AI in election results collation, describing the plan as “reckless and unacceptable.”
In a statement issued through its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement questioned INEC’s decision to introduce the technology while its governing policy was still being finalised.
It argued that Nigerians should not be subjected to an untested electoral process, particularly at a stage as sensitive as results collation.
The movement called on INEC to abandon the plan to use AI in results collation and ensure that every election result remains independently verifiable.
It also urged the Commission to address lingering concerns over the credibility of the 2023 general elections, including allegations of alterations to and defacement of result sheets.
The group maintained that the problems identified during the previous elections were not necessarily caused by a lack of technology, arguing that greater transparency and accountability should be the priority.
It called for a verifiable process through which results could be traced from polling units through every stage of collation to the final declaration.
The movement further demanded the publication of Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D and EC8E on INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), saying political parties, election observers, journalists and citizens should be able to independently verify results.
It also questioned INEC’s warning against announcing or declaring results that had not been officially released by the Commission, arguing that the issue required clarification alongside the proposed AI framework.
David Mark Raises Concerns Over 2027 Election Conduct
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has also warned that the party would not tolerate electoral malpractice.
Mark spoke during a courtesy visit by the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development to the ADC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the party was committed to complying with INEC’s rules and maintaining standards that promote public confidence in democracy, but would resist any attempt to rig it out.
“We will play by the rules. But we will not accept rigging or allow ourselves to be rigged out,” Mark said.
The visiting delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who said the engagement formed part of the centre’s consultations with political parties and leaders ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ariwoola urged the ADC leadership to encourage its members and candidates to comply with electoral regulations and avoid political violence.
Nigerians Question Timing of AI Deployment
Other Nigerians have expressed reservations about the proposed introduction of AI, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching and INEC’s policy still being finalised.
Businessman Rowland Osazuwa warned the Commission against deploying any process that could undermine confidence in the elections. He questioned why INEC would introduce AI while acknowledging the risks posed by voice cloning, deepfakes and fabricated documents.
Osazuwa argued that the Commission should focus on measures that guarantee transparent, free and credible elections rather than introduce technology that could create additional doubts about the results.
He also questioned whether INEC would have sufficient time to test the proposed system adequately before the elections.
Similarly, estate agent My Gilmor Uwandu alleged that the plan could be used to manipulate the 2027 polls. He questioned INEC’s preparedness to deploy the technology and accused the Commission of having ulterior motives.
However, these allegations reflect the views of the individuals quoted and do not, on their own, establish that INEC intends to manipulate the elections.
Transparency Remains Central to the Debate
The controversy surrounding INEC’s AI initiative has brought renewed attention to the balance between technological innovation and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
While the Commission says AI tools will support results verification and strengthen cybersecurity, critics want clearer safeguards, independent verification and greater transparency before the technology is deployed.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections continue, key questions remain about how the AI framework will operate, how its effectiveness will be tested and how INEC will ensure that technology does not compromise the integrity and verifiability of election results.