By Ameh Gabriel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral process by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its operations.
In a press statement released after its weekly meeting on Thursday, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, announced the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division under INEC’s ICT Department.
Olumekun noted that the Commission’s recent participation in several continental conferences underscored the growing impact of AI on electoral processes. “Our engagement with electoral bodies across Africa focused not only on the dangers of AI such as the spread of fake news and online content manipulation but also on its potential benefits,” he said.
These benefits, according to the Commission, include enhanced data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, improved voter service automation, and the application of geo-spatial intelligence to optimise logistics for material distribution and polling unit allocation.
The newly created AI Division will play a central role in managing and expanding the Commission’s technological capabilities. It aims to strengthen AI governance, streamline existing investments, and bolster electoral credibility through predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and data-driven safeguards.
“This initiative places INEC at the forefront of institutionalising AI within its digital infrastructure,” Olumekun added. “It marks a vital step in our broader reform efforts especially in areas where only administrative action is required.”
With this development, INEC reinforces its commitment to leveraging technology in deepening electoral transparency, efficiency, and public trust.
