The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the formation of a specialized Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.
This development was disclosed in a statement by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, following the Commission’s weekly meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.
The decision to create the AI Division follows INEC’s active involvement in several African conferences that explored the influence of AI technology on election management.
INEC recognizes that while AI offers transformative benefits such as improved data analysis, risk assessment, and automation of voter services, it also carries risks including the potential spread of misinformation and digital manipulation.
According to the statement, “During its weekly meeting on May 22, 2025, the Commission discussed the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence in electoral activities both within Nigeria and internationally. Engagements at continental forums highlighted AI’s dual potential to both aid election integrity through data-driven insights and pose challenges such as fake news proliferation.”
The newly established division will focus on leveraging AI to optimize logistical arrangements, streamline distribution of election materials, and allocate polling units more effectively. This initiative aims to strengthen transparency, credibility, and efficiency throughout the electoral cycle by applying predictive analytics and smart automation technologies.
Centralizing AI oversight under one division is expected to improve coordination of technological resources, enhancing INEC’s capacity to deliver credible elections.
“The Commission has therefore approved the creation of an AI Division within the ICT Department to fully utilize the benefits of AI while managing its risks. This unit will oversee technology investments, improve decision-making through enhanced data analytics, and support voter engagement strategies. It will also implement intelligent systems to safeguard the electoral process,” the statement added.
This new move marks a significant milestone in INEC’s ongoing efforts to integrate cutting-edge technology into Nigeria’s election administration framework, reinforcing reforms that demand administrative innovation and action.
