AI Can Improve Elections, But Must Not Determine Outcomes — INEC Chairman

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has said artificial intelligence can improve the conduct of elections but must not be allowed to determine electoral outcomes.

Amupitan stated this during an opening plenary session on the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.

The session, moderated by Arise Television’s Vimbai Mutinhiri-Ekpeyong, also featured Microsoft Senior Director of Global Elections, Dave Liechtman, and ACP Oluseyi Olabisi Okuwobi of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre.

The discussions focused on the potential of AI to improve election administration while addressing the risks posed by the misuse of emerging technologies.

Amupitan and other stakeholders raised concerns over deepfakes, cyber threats and manipulated electoral information that could mislead voters and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

They also highlighted the risks associated with synthetic media and the impersonation of political candidates and election officials, warning that such activities could damage public trust in electoral institutions.

The stakeholders called for effective safeguards to maximise the benefits of AI while preventing its misuse during the 2027 elections.

Amupitan stressed that technological innovation must serve electoral transparency and accountability without interfering with the democratic choices of Nigerian voters.