INEC Establishes Artificial Intelligence Division to Boost Election Integrity
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the creation of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department.
The decision, approved during the Commission’s regular weekly meeting held today, marks a significant step toward integrating cutting-edge technology into Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the move follows growing global and local interest in the impact of AI on elections. He noted that the Commission has recently participated in various continental conferences focused on the role of AI in electoral systems.
“Beyond the growing concerns over the use of AI to spread fake news or manipulate online content, our engagements have shown that AI holds immense promise in improving elections through data-driven decision-making, risk detection, automation of voter services, and geo-spatial intelligence,” Olumekun said.
The newly established AI Division is expected to play a pivotal role in harnessing these opportunities. Its core mandate includes strengthening INEC’s capacity for predictive analytics, intelligent safeguards, centralised AI governance, and enhanced risk management. The Commission also hopes to use the technology to improve logistics, such as material distribution and polling unit allocation, which have historically posed challenges in Nigerian elections.
Olumekun emphasized that the initiative aligns with INEC’s broader agenda to reform the electoral process, particularly in areas that can be addressed through administrative actions without requiring legislative amendments.
“With this development, the Commission is taking the lead in institutionalising AI capabilities within its ICT infrastructure, thereby enhancing transparency, efficiency, and credibility in electoral administration,” he added.
The AI Division is expected to begin operations immediately, contributing to the Commission’s ongoing digital transformation efforts ahead of upcoming electoral activities.
