INEC Warns AI Could Fuel Disinformation in 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the growing use of artificial intelligence to spread disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission warned that AI-powered tools could make it easier to create and circulate fake videos, audio recordings, images and other misleading content capable of influencing voters and undermining confidence in the electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, said the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence had introduced new challenges for election management, particularly in detecting and responding to false information.

Represented by National Commissioner Sani Adam at the 13th Annual International Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria in Abuja, Amupitan said the commission was taking steps to strengthen its communication and information management systems ahead of the polls.

He said the speed at which AI-generated content could spread on social media meant that false narratives could reach millions of Nigerians before they were verified or debunked.

According to him, INEC would need stronger collaboration with the media, fact-checkers, technology platforms and other stakeholders to identify and counter AI-generated disinformation.

The commission also stressed the importance of public awareness and media literacy, urging Nigerians to verify election-related information before sharing it.

INEC said protecting the credibility of the 2027 elections would require not only secure electoral technology but also effective measures to prevent emerging AI tools from being used to manipulate voters and distort public understanding of the electoral process.