INEC Raises Alarm on AI Misuse Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised alarms regarding the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) in the context of the 2027 general elections. In a statement signed by Victoria Eta-Messi, the Director of Voter Education and Publicity, the commission emphasized that the risks associated with AI-generated manipulated content are immediate and significant.

During a capacity-building workshop for Public Affairs Officers in Abuja, Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, noted that the accessibility of generative AI has made it easier to create undetectable fabricated audio, video, and images. He warned that AI could also be used to craft targeted messages that promote conflicting narratives among different voter groups.

Haruna referenced INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan's assertion that electoral credibility now relies not only on traditional voting materials but also on the information environment influencing voter perceptions. The workshop aimed to equip public affairs officers with skills to tackle these emerging challenges in election communication.