INEC Confirms Voter Choice Over AI for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the outcome of the 2027 General Elections will be determined by voters, not artificial intelligence. Chairman Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, made this statement at the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja.

He warned that deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation could threaten voters' ability to make informed choices. Amupitan emphasized that while technology will be embraced to enhance election administration, critical electoral decisions will remain in the hands of the Nigerian people.

He stated that algorithms may assist in predicting patterns but lack the conscience and vote necessary for democratic processes. The forum, co-convened by INEC and Yiaga Africa, included various stakeholders to discuss the implications of AI on elections.

With 92 days until the elections, Amupitan noted that over 103 million registered voters are expected to participate across 176,846 polling units in Nigeria's 774 Local Government Areas, covering presidential, National Assembly, governorship, and State Houses of Assembly elections.