The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is facing questions regarding its ability to successfully integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the 2027 general elections. The commission, which established a dedicated AI Division in May 2025, intends to use the technology to enhance various electoral activities, though experts have raised concerns over its practical implementation.
The move to introduce AI follows a period of intense scrutiny regarding the reliability of previous technological tools used in Nigerian elections, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The commission’s decision to create a specialised division suggests a shift towards more automated processes for managing voter data and election results.
Professor Àmúpìtàn, a technology expert, expressed unease following the announcement of the commission’s new direction. In an analysis of the commission’s strategy, he questioned whether the current electoral framework is prepared for the complexities and security requirements of artificial intelligence.
Challenges to AI-driven elections
The integration of AI into the electoral process presents a dual reality of increased efficiency and heightened security risks. While proponents suggest that AI could assist in voter registration, pattern recognition to detect irregularities, and real-time data analysis, the Nigerian political landscape presents unique technical hurdles.
Experts have identified the potential for AI to be weaponised through deepfakes and automated misinformation campaigns. Such technology could be used to manipulate public opinion or spread falsehoods about candidates and the electoral process, making it difficult for voters to distinguish between authentic and fabricated content. There are also concerns regarding the algorithmic transparency of any AI systems used by the commission; without clear oversight, the logic behind AI-driven decisions could be difficult for political parties and independent observers to audit.
Furthermore, the deployment of advanced technology remains tied to the country’s digital infrastructure. The 2023 general elections highlighted significant difficulties in maintaining stable internet connectivity and consistent power supply for critical electoral tools in many parts of the country. The reliance on AI would necessitate a level of connectivity and hardware reliability that is currently inconsistent across various states.
The cost of developing, securing, and maintaining a sophisticated AI division also presents a budgetary concern. INEC will need to ensure that these systems are resilient against sophisticated cyberattacks designed to compromise voter data or alter election outcomes. Given the history of technological glitches in previous cycles, the margin for error with AI is significantly lower.
As the 2027 elections approach, the commission must provide a transparent roadmap for the AI Division. This includes defining the specific roles the technology will play, the procurement processes for AI software, and the protocols for auditing these systems to ensure public trust. INEC has not yet released a detailed technical framework outlining how the AI Division will interact with existing electoral hardware.
Explore more News stories from Business Elites Africa.
