The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism from opposition groups and members of the public following its plan to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools into parts of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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 election result verification and cybersecurity systems.
According to him, the proposed measures include automated auditing tools to support the verification of election results and systems designed to detect unusual database activity and protect INEC’s digital platforms against cyberattacks and unauthorised alterations.
He said the commission was developing a five-pillar AI Governance Framework, with human oversight built into its implementation, while a formal policy guiding the technology’s use was being finalised.
However, the announcement has triggered concerns about the reliability, transparency and potential risks of introducing AI into an electoral process that remains sensitive following disputes over previous elections.
Amupitan also warned that generative AI, voice cloning and deepfake videos could be used to spread fabricated election information, including fake statements attributed to electoral officials and manipulated result sheets.
He urged media organisations to establish fact-checking desks and verify election-related information with INEC before publishing it, stressing that accuracy should take priority over speed in election reporting.
The Obidient Movement has strongly opposed the proposed use of AI in results collation, describing the initiative as unacceptable while the commission’s governing policy remains incomplete.
In a statement issued through its Media and Communications Directorate, the movement argued that Nigerians should not be exposed to an inadequately tested system at such a critical stage of the electoral process.
It called on INEC to abandon plans to use AI in results collation and instead prioritise transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral system.
The group maintained that the credibility concerns surrounding the 2023 general elections could not be resolved simply by introducing more technology. It called for a transparent process that would allow election results to be tracked from polling units through every stage of collation to the final declaration.
The movement also demanded the publication of Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D and EC8E on the INEC Result Viewing Portal, known as IReV, to enable political parties, observers, journalists and citizens to independently scrutinise results.
It further questioned INEC’s warning against announcing results that had not been officially released, arguing that the commission should provide greater clarity about its proposed technological changes and the safeguards governing their use.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has also expressed concerns about the forthcoming elections, insisting that the party would not accept electoral malpractice.
Mark made the remarks during a meeting with the Governing Council of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development at the ADC headquarters in Abuja.
He said the party would comply with electoral regulations and INEC’s guidelines but would resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the elections.
The delegation was led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, who said the visit formed part of the centre’s engagements with political parties ahead of the 2027 polls.
Ariwoola urged the ADC leadership to encourage its candidates and supporters to respect electoral rules and avoid political violence, reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to free, fair and credible elections.
Other Nigerians have raised questions about the timing of INEC’s proposed AI deployment and whether sufficient testing would be completed before the elections.
Businessman Rowland Osazuwa warned the commission against introducing any process that could undermine confidence in the polls. He argued that the public needed clear assurances that the technology would protect the integrity of votes rather than create additional doubts.
Estate agent My Gilmor Uwandu also questioned INEC’s readiness to deploy the technology, alleging that the initiative could be used to manipulate the elections. However, he did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.
The criticism comes as political parties and civil society groups continue to demand stronger safeguards for the 2027 elections.
While INEC says its proposed AI systems are intended to improve result verification and strengthen cybersecurity, opposition groups are calling for greater transparency about how the technology will work, how it will be tested and what measures will prevent errors or manipulation.
The debate has placed renewed focus on the need for credible election management, independently verifiable results and public trust as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
