As part of efforts toward modernising Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says it has approved the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence, AI, Division under its Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Department.
The development was part of decisions reached at the Commission’s regular weekly meeting held on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
According to a statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the initiative reflects the Commission’s growing recognition of AI’s dual impact, its potential to both disrupt and improve electoral systems.
INEC noted that the decision was informed by recent engagements with electoral commissions across the continent, where AI’s influence on elections, both positive and negative, featured prominently.
While concerns persist about the misuse of AI for disinformation and content manipulation, the Commission stressed the need to embrace the technology’s benefits.
“These interactions were not only motivated by the concern over the use of AI to spread fake news or manipulate content online, but also to utilise its benefits for data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, deepening voter services automation, and geo-spatial intelligence in support of logistics optimisation,” Olumekun said.
The newly approved AI Division will serve as a central hub for coordinating and maximising INEC’s existing technology infrastructure.
Its core functions will include leveraging data analytics for decision-making, improving risk management frameworks, boosting voter engagement, and enhancing electoral credibility through predictive analytics and intelligent automation.
With this move, INEC positions itself among the first electoral bodies on the continent to institutionalise AI within its internal governance structure.
“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 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,” the statement read.
