INEC establishes AI division to enhance electoral processes

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department, marking a significant step in modernising Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement released on Thursday, signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner, disclosed that the decision was made during its regular weekly meeting held the same day.

The Commission acknowledged the growing influence of AI in global electoral systems and reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging this emerging technology for the improvement of Nigeria’s elections.

INEC’s recent participation in regional conferences on AI and elections underscored both the challenges and opportunities posed by AI in the democratic space.

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Concerns over the use of AI in spreading misinformation and manipulating online content were highlighted, alongside its potential to enhance decision-making, automate voter services, improve logistics through geo-spatial intelligence, and strengthen electoral transparency.

“The new AI Division will enable INEC to maximise its current technology investments through centralised AI governance and provide data-driven insights to improve risk management and voter engagement,” said National Commissioner Sam Olumekun, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.

According to the Commission, the AI Division will play a critical role in strengthening electoral integrity by supporting predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards.

This initiative, INEC said, places the Commission at the forefront of institutionalising AI within electoral management in Africa.

The move is part of INEC’s broader reforms aimed at enhancing election credibility through administrative innovations that do not require legislative intervention.

The Commission believes that integrating AI into its operations will support more transparent, efficient, and responsive electoral processes in Nigeria.