The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the creation of a new artificial intelligence (AI) division as part of its ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said the AI unit will operate under the commission’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department.
According to Olumekun, the decision followed high-level internal meetings and recent international conferences focused on the growing impact of AI in elections around the world.
He noted that the commission is not only concerned about the risks posed by AI—such as fake news and online content manipulation—but is also keen to explore its benefits for improving election logistics, enhancing voter services, and supporting data-driven decisions.
“The new division will help INEC manage its existing technology more effectively through centralised AI governance,” he said.
He added that the unit will play a key role in detecting risks, improving voter engagement, supporting material distribution and polling unit allocation through geospatial analysis, and strengthening the credibility of elections using predictive analytics and automation.
“This initiative places the commission at the forefront of integrating AI into electoral systems in Africa,” Olumekun stated. “It’s a significant step in reforming our electoral process, especially in areas where only administrative action is required.”
The development is part of INEC’s broader reform agenda aimed at leveraging technology to improve transparency, security, and voter confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.