The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technology to verify election results ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press conference while outlining the commission’s preparations for the elections.
Amupitan said INEC had established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) department as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity and security of the electoral process.
He said automated AI auditing tools had already been integrated into the commission’s result verification process under a five-pillar AI governance framework.
According to him, the use of AI will remain subject to mandatory human oversight.
“Artificial intelligence governance. The commission has established a dedicated artificial intelligence division within the ICT departments,” Amupitan said.
“Automated AI auditing tools have been integrated into our result verification process under a five-pillar AI governance framework operating under mandatory human oversight.
“An AI governance framework policy is being finalised by the commission.”
The INEC chairman also said the commission was working with international technology companies and partners to deploy AI-powered anomaly detection tools.
He said the technology would be used to monitor database traffic and protect INEC’s systems from cyber intrusions and unauthorised 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 quarters against cyber intrusions or unauthorised alterations,” he added.
The announcement comes as INEC continues preparations for the 2027 elections, with the commission also planning a nationwide mock accreditation exercise to test its electoral systems ahead of the polls.
