The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the creation of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, a move aimed at boosting the credibility, transparency, and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
This was revealed in a statement on Thursday by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
Olumekun explained that the decision aligns with global trends and responds to the increasing influence of artificial intelligence on electoral systems around the world.
“The commission considered the rising relevance of AI to electoral activities in Nigeria and globally. We must proactively harness its benefits while mitigating the risks it poses to democracy,” he said.
AI to Drive Data-Driven Decision-Making and Voter Engagement
According to the statement, INEC has participated in multiple international conferences focused on the use of AI in election management. The discussions highlighted both the potential for AI to spread misinformation and the opportunities it presents in improving logistics, automation, and voter services.
“AI has supported voter service automation, geo-spatial intelligence, and logistics optimization, especially in polling unit allocation and electoral material distribution,” Olumekun added.
Division to Focus on Risk Management, Predictive Analytics
The new AI Division is expected to:
- Coordinate existing technological tools under centralized AI governance
- Enable real-time, data-driven decision-making
- Strengthen voter outreach and engagement strategies
- Enhance electoral integrity through automation and predictive analytics
“This initiative places INEC at the forefront of adopting cutting-edge digital solutions in Africa’s democratic landscape,” said Olumekun, noting that the move is part of broader administrative reforms aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system.
He emphasized that the creation of the division was within INEC’s mandate and did not require legislative action.
NAN
