The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the threat of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the credibility of the 2027 elections. National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mal. Mohammed Kudu Haruna, issued the warning in Abuja at a Capacity Building Workshop for Public Affairs Officers. He noted that AI has made it cheaper and harder to detect manipulated audio, video, and images.
Haruna stated that the misuse of AI goes beyond fabricated content to highly targeted messaging designed to feed conflicting narratives to different groups of voters. He recalled that INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, previously emphasized that election credibility depends not only on ballot papers and BVAS machines but also on the information environment in which voters form their judgments. Haruna called for electoral technology and electoral communication to be treated as a single discipline.
The workshop, themed "Strengthening PAOs Capacity for Credible, Verified and Responsible Election Communication Towards 2027," aims to equip Public Affairs Officers with the skills needed to verify information, escalate concerns, and provide clear and consistent messaging. Haruna commended the Voter Education and Publicity Department for designing a practical, skills-based program. He emphasized that the credibility of INEC's communication begins with the work of Public Affairs Officers.
Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mrs. Victoria Eta-Messi, told participants that they play a crucial role in shaping Nigerians' impressions of INEC. She noted that INEC operates under constant public scrutiny and is regularly confronted with attempts to misrepresent its work and undermine public confidence. Eta-Messi disclosed that further capacity-building interventions are planned with development partner support.
Deputy Director, Information and Publicity, Mr. Wilfred Ifogah, presented the objectives of the training, which include strengthening practical communication skills, clarifying escalation lines, and building capacity to monitor the information ecosystem and respond to misinformation. He listed key objectives, including introducing the responsible use of AI in communication, its applications, limitations, and safeguards around confidentiality and verification.
The training aims to equip Public Affairs Officers with the standards of accuracy, consistency, and professionalism required of every INEC Public Affairs Officer ahead of the 2027 polls. Ifogah noted that participants are expected to leave with a shared appreciation of these standards. The workshop is seen as a direct response to the reality of AI-driven misinformation and its potential impact on the 2027 elections.
Key to the success of the 2027 elections is the ability of INEC and its Public Affairs Officers to effectively communicate and counter misinformation. The workshop is a step towards achieving this goal. Three key points emerge: the threat of AI-driven misinformation to election credibility, the need for Public Affairs Officers to be equipped with verification and communication skills, and INEC's commitment to credible and responsible election communication.
Key points
- INEC warns of AI-driven misinformation threat to 2027 election credibility
- Public Affairs Officers to be equipped with verification and communication skills
- INEC commits to credible and responsible election communication
