INEC's Prof. Amupitan Advocates Responsible AI Use in Elections

On October 13, 2026, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stated that electoral management bodies must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) while ensuring security safeguards to protect public trust. This statement was made during a visit from a delegation of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), led by Mr. Serigne Ka.

The visit followed a two-day validation meeting in Abuja regarding ECONEC’s guidelines on AI in electoral processes, developed after the ECONEC Symposium in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2025. Prof. Amupitan acknowledged public skepticism about AI but argued for its integration into electoral systems, particularly in voter registration and public engagement.

He emphasized the need for protective measures, especially for the youth, and highlighted that AI could enhance responsiveness to citizens' inquiries. The INEC Chairman described ECONEC as a vital platform for cooperation and knowledge exchange among electoral management bodies in West Africa.