The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) plan to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) tools ahead of the 2027 general elections has triggered fresh controversy, with opposition groups questioning whether the technology can be trusted to protect the integrity of the vote.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, recently disclosed that the commission had established a dedicated AI division within its Information and Communications Technology Department to strengthen result verification and cybersecurity.
According to Amupitan, automated auditing tools are being integrated into the commission’s result verification process to help identify discrepancies and administrative errors.
He said the technology would operate under a governance framework that includes mandatory human oversight, transparency, accountability and data protection.
However, the announcement has drawn criticism from political groups concerned about the commission’s preparedness and the safeguards that would govern the use of AI during the elections.
Obidient Movement Raises the Alarm
The Obidient Movement has rejected INEC’s proposed deployment of AI, arguing that the commission must first address concerns surrounding electoral transparency, electronic transmission of results and public confidence in the electoral process.
The movement’s National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, questioned the timing of the initiative and demanded a clear explanation of how the technology would work and what measures would prevent its abuse.
The group also called for an independent audit of INEC’s electoral technology and the publication of detailed procedures showing how election results would be verified from polling units through the collation process.
Its position reflects concerns among some opposition figures that introducing new technology without clearly defined safeguards could create additional questions about the credibility of election results.
INEC Explains What the Technology Will Do
INEC has maintained that the proposed AI tools are intended to support election officials rather than replace human decision-making.
The commission says the technology will help detect irregularities in result records and strengthen protection against cyberattacks and unauthorised changes to its digital systems.
Amupitan has also warned that AI-generated fake videos, cloned voices, fabricated result sheets and forged official documents could pose serious threats during the 2027 election campaign.
The commission is therefore seeking to use technology both to identify possible inconsistencies in electoral records and to defend its systems against digital manipulation.
Will AI Improve Confidence in the 2027 Elections?
The controversy has placed the spotlight on how INEC intends to balance technological innovation with transparency and accountability.
While supporters of AI-assisted verification may see it as an opportunity to detect errors more efficiently, critics insist that Nigerians must be able to independently verify election results and understand how any automated system reaches its conclusions.
The central question is whether INEC can demonstrate that its new tools will strengthen public trust without creating fresh doubts about the electoral process.
As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the commission faces growing calls to explain its plans, publish clear safeguards and ensure that human oversight remains central to every electoral decision.
