Jega Advocates AI Safeguards for 2027 Elections Integrity

At a National Summit on Artificial Intelligence, Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, held in Abuja, Prof. Attahiru Jega, the former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), called for robust safeguards to protect electoral information integrity as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. Jega, who chaired the event themed “Beyond the Ballot: Safeguarding Electoral Information Integrity in the Age of AI,” highlighted the dual nature of AI, which can enhance governance but also pose risks to electoral integrity.

He recommended that Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in Africa consider using AI-driven tools, such as chatbots with verified data, to help citizens access accurate information and combat misinformation. Jega stressed the importance of building public trust in the electoral process.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan also spoke, noting that the integrity of the ballot will depend on the authenticity of the information environment, warning that misinformation could undermine public trust before elections.