The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concerns over the role of digital platforms during the 2023 general elections in discrediting the integrity of the polls.
This was revealed at the opening ceremony for a two-day Technical Workshop on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Electoral Management, aimed at strengthening electoral integrity and enhancing operational efficiency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The workshop is organised in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and brings together senior ICT staff, Heads of Departments, other ICT personnel and development partners.
The initiative reflects INEC’s commitment to proactively exploring emerging technologies that can support credible, transparent and inclusive elections, while carefully addressing the associated risks.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Kano State, Amb. Abdu Abdussamadu Zango, highlighted the scale and complexity of Nigeria’s electoral operations and the growing role of technology in election management.
Describing Artificial Intelligence as a “double-edged sword,” the REC cautioned that while AI holds significant potential to enhance efficiency, security and public confidence in elections, it could also be misused if not properly governed. Drawing lessons from the 2023 General Election, he noted that digital platforms were weaponised for misinformation, stressing the need for INEC to remain vigilant as AI tools become more accessible.
According to him, the objective of the workshop is to ensure that AI is deployed to strengthen electoral integrity and security, rather than undermine public trust in the process.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of ICT, Dr. Bayode Lawrence, the Deputy Director (Communications), Engr. Lawal Umar, described the workshop as a significant milestone in the evolution of the Commission’s technological framework.
He noted that Artificial Intelligence offers valuable tools for improving efficiency, accuracy and transparency across key electoral processes, including voter registration, logistics planning, result management and fraud detection. He emphasised that INEC is committed to moving beyond theoretical discussions towards developing secure, practical and well-governed AI applications that align with Nigeria’s legal and institutional framework.
He added that the Commission’s approach prioritises innovation that supports credible elections while safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Delivering a goodwill message and leading the workshop sessions, Seray Jah, IFES Regional Director for Africa and Country Director for Nigeria, described Nigeria as the giant of Africa, noting that the successful deployment of Artificial Intelligence within INEC could serve as a model for other countries in West Africa and across the continent. He added that IFES remains committed to supporting INEC in its efforts to explore the responsible use of AI to enhance electoral credibility.
The workshop programme covers a wide range of topics, including the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, global and African use cases, the implications of AI in elections, misinformation and disinformation, as well as guiding principles for responsible AI adoption in electoral management.
While Seray Jah served as the lead facilitator, the Country Director, IFES Kenya and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for Nigeria, Mr. Obaje Ukeh, and the Project Manager, IFES Nigeria, Ms. Judith Toryem, also facilitated sessions on the first day of the workshop, providing training and guidance to participants.
