The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to improve the relevance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to elections and electoral operations in Nigeria and around the world.
After its usual weekly meeting today, Thursday, May 22, 2025, INEC announced this consideration.
The Commission attended multiple conferences with colleagues around the continent regarding the impact of artificial intelligence on elections, according to a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
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.”