The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division aimed at strengthening its capacity for data-driven decision-making, risk management, and the automation of voter services. The initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s electoral system through technological innovation.
Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed the development in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja. He said the decision was reached during the Commission’s regular weekly meeting, where members discussed the growing relevance of AI to electoral processes both in Nigeria and globally.
According to Olumekun, the new AI Division, situated within INEC’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department, will support the Commission in several critical areas, including geo-spatial intelligence for optimizing logistics and improving material distribution and polling unit allocation.
“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,” he stated.
Olumekun noted that INEC has participated in multiple conferences with electoral bodies across the continent, focusing on both the risks and opportunities presented by AI in election management. While concerns about AI’s potential for spreading misinformation and manipulating online content remain pressing, he said INEC is committed to harnessing the technology’s benefits for more effective election planning and administration.
“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,” he said.
He added that the division will allow for better coordination and optimization of INEC’s existing technology infrastructure through centralized AI governance. “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,” Olumekun concluded
