INEC Launches AI Unit to Enhance Election Integrity
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.
The decision was made during the Commission’s weekly meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Abuja.
Announcing the development, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the division was created due to INEC’s interest in the role of AI in electoral management.
“The Commission convened its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, 22 May 2025, where it considered the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in elections and electoral activities both in Nigeria and globally,” the statement said.
Olumekun said the move follows INEC’s participation in recent conferences about AI and elections. These events discussed the risks and potential uses of AI.
“Recently, the Commission engaged with colleagues across Africa in conferences focused on AI’s impact on elections. These discussions highlighted concerns about AI’s potential misuse to disseminate fake news or manipulate online content, as well as its benefits in enhancing data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, voter service automation, and logistical optimisation through geo-spatial intelligence,” he added.
The Commission said the new AI Division will handle the use of technology in election logistics, distribution of materials, and polling unit planning.
“Accordingly, the Commission approved the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to maximise the positive potential of AI while mitigating its adverse effects on elections,” the statement read.
The Division will also oversee AI governance, manage technology investments, and produce data insights.
“This Division will facilitate improved coordination of existing technology investments through centralised AI governance, enhance decision-making via data-driven insights and risk management, and strengthen voter engagement.
“Furthermore, it will bolster electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards,” the Commission stated.
Olumekun said the decision is part of ongoing administrative changes within the Commission.
“This initiative positions the Commission at the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within its ICT infrastructure and represents a significant step in ongoing electoral reforms that require administrative action by the Commission,” the statement added.
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