INEC's AI Initiative for 2027 Elections Faces Backlash

On October 9, 2026, Prof Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), announced the creation of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division aimed at integrating AI tools into election results verification and cybersecurity systems for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja, marking 100 days until the elections.

Amupitan outlined a five-pillar AI Governance Framework that includes automated AI auditing tools and AI-driven anomaly detection to safeguard against cyber threats. He cautioned that generative AI and deepfake technologies could undermine electoral integrity by facilitating the creation of fake election materials.

The Obidient Movement publicly rejected INEC's initiative, labeling it "reckless and unacceptable," and expressed concerns over the timing and transparency of the AI governance policy, which is still being finalized. They demanded that AI be excluded from results collation to ensure independent verification of election outcomes.