INEC Introduces AI Safeguards for 2027 Elections

On 14 October 2026, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan announced the establishment of an AI unit within INEC's Information and Communication Technology Directorate during the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum in Abuja. This initiative aims to safeguard the 2027 elections from threats posed by AI-generated misinformation, such as fake videos and audio recordings.

Amupitan emphasized that elections would be determined by Nigerians, not algorithms, and highlighted the risks of malicious actors impersonating electoral officials. The AI unit will utilize digital monitoring tools, deepfake detection software, and data analytics to identify and counteract misinformation.

He assured that critical electoral processes like result collation and voter accreditation would not be fully automated. Additionally, INEC is developing a digital strategy for monitoring online information and collaborating with technology platforms to label AI-generated content.

The commission has also digitized candidate nominations and enhanced biometric systems to improve voter registration and integrity.