The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is set to increase the relevance of Artificial Intelligence, AI, to elections and electoral activities in Nigeria and across the world.
INEC made this consideration known after its regular weekly meeting today, held on Thursday 22nd May 2025.
A statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, said the Commission attended several conferences with colleagues around the continent on the impact of AI on elections.
He noted that AI could be a tool for data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, deepening voter services automation and geo-spatial intelligence in support of logistic optimisation for better material distribution and polling unit allocation.
“Consequently, the Commission approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections,” the statement said.
“The Division will enable the Commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralised AI governance.
“It will also enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management and voter engagement. Furthermore, it will strengthen electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards.
“This initiative puts the Commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure. It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission.”