The National Publicity Secretary of Nigeria's National Democratic Congress, Osa Director, has expressed concerns over the 2027 general elections, stating that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, remains the greatest threat to Nigeria's democracy. Director made these comments in light of the commission's planned deployment of artificial intelligence in the 2027 elections. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to be vigilant and ensure that INEC conducts a free, fair, transparent, and credible election.
Director's comments were sparked by a report from MundX Analytics, a Nigerian elections data and analytics company, which raised concerns over access to records from the 2023 elections hosted on INEC's Results Viewing Portal. The report alleged that the domain used by INEC to deliver 2023 polling-unit result sheets had expired and was acquired by a private firm, with some IReV links redirecting users to advertising websites. This development has renewed concerns over the accessibility and preservation of electronic election records.
INEC, however, has maintained that the 2023 election results remain intact and securely stored on Amazon Web Services, insisting that the records have not been lost. Despite this assurance, Director rejected INEC's plan to deploy artificial intelligence in the 2027 elections, questioning the commission's capacity to manage the technology effectively. He expressed skepticism about the commission's ability to control AI, stating that deploying AI would not automatically guarantee a free and fair election.
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, had disclosed that the commission had begun deploying AI tools to detect discrepancies and administrative errors in election results. Amupitan stated that the technology would be used alongside measures to counter AI-generated disinformation, including fake result sheets, cloned voices of electoral officials, fabricated videos, and forged official documents. The INEC chairman also mentioned that the commission had established an Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT Department.
The Obidient Movement also kicked against INEC's plan to deploy AI, demanding that the commission address unresolved concerns over electoral transparency, result transmission, and credibility of its processes. National Coordinator of the movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, rejected the proposed deployment of AI, arguing that INEC had yet to adequately explain how the technology would work and the problems it was intended to address.
Despite opposition from various groups, INEC has maintained that AI would complement rather than replace human oversight, with Amupitan stressing that automated checks would remain subject to human auditing and legal verification. The commission's goal is to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and enhance transparency. However, concerns over INEC's capacity to manage AI effectively remain.
The controversy surrounding INEC's plan to deploy AI in the 2027 elections highlights the need for the commission to address concerns over electoral transparency and credibility. As the 2027 elections approach, stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure that INEC takes concrete steps to guarantee a free, fair, and transparent election. The commission's ability to manage AI effectively will be crucial in determining the success of the 2027 elections.
Key points
- Nigeria's National Democratic Congress rejects INEC's plan to deploy AI in 2027 elections.
- Concerns over electoral transparency and credibility raised.
- INEC maintains AI will complement human oversight, not replace it.
