The Obidient Movement has expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) plan to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the 2027 general elections. National Coordinator, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, stated that the commission must address unresolved issues surrounding electoral transparency, result transmission, and institutional credibility before implementing AI. This response follows INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan's disclosure that the commission will use AI tools to detect discrepancies and administrative errors in election results.
INEC aims to fortify its systems against AI-generated disinformation, including cloned voices of electoral officers, deepfake videos, forged official documents, and fabricated result sheets. However, Tanko argued that the commission has failed to explain the operational framework of the technology, the specific problems it seeks to solve, and the safeguards in place to prevent deliberate manipulation or abuse. The Obidient Movement leader emphasized that introducing AI into a system with existing failures is not electoral reform, but rather an attempt to distract Nigerians from fundamental questions of institutional independence, transparency, and accountability.
A recent investigation by Mundx Analytics alleged that presidential results from over 50,000 polling units were uploaded via mobile phones, raising concerns about the credibility of INEC's processes. Tanko maintained that technological innovation cannot substitute for institutional integrity. The Obidient Movement outlined key demands, calling on INEC to publish its comprehensive roadmap for the 2027 general elections, detailing all technologies, procedures, and safety measures to be deployed.
The group further demanded an independent audit of the commission's existing electoral technology, with full public disclosure of findings and corrective measures, alongside a fully transparent and verifiable result transmission process. Tanko also insisted that any proposed AI tools must be subjected to rigorous independent testing and public scrutiny before implementation. This ensures that the technology serves the purpose of enhancing electoral transparency and credibility.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, had disclosed that the commission had commenced the deployment of AI tools to detect discrepancies and administrative errors in election results. The commission aims to ensure the accuracy and integrity of election results. However, the Obidient Movement's concerns highlight the need for INEC to address existing issues before implementing new technologies.
The Obidient Movement's rejection of INEC's plan to deploy AI in the 2027 elections underscores the need for electoral reform and institutional integrity. The group's demands emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and public trust in the electoral process. INEC must consider these concerns to ensure that the 2027 elections are credible and reflective of the people's will.
The controversy surrounding INEC's plan to deploy AI in the 2027 elections highlights the challenges facing Nigeria's electoral system. The outcome of this debate will have implications for the credibility of future elections and the country's democratic development. As stakeholders continue to engage on this issue, Nigerians await a resolution that prioritizes electoral transparency and institutional integrity.
Key points
- The Obidient Movement rejects INEC's plan to deploy AI in the 2027 elections without addressing electoral transparency issues.
- INEC aims to deploy AI tools to detect discrepancies and administrative errors in election results.
- The Obidient Movement demands an independent audit of INEC's existing electoral technology and a transparent result transmission process.
