INEC Launches Dedicated AI Division to Boost Election Integrity and Innovation

In a strategic move to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the establishment of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its ICT Department.

The initiative, according to a statement by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, is aimed at leveraging AI technologies to enhance election transparency, operational efficiency, and voter engagement.

Olumekun explained that the AI Division was approved to help INEC harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while mitigating its potential risks—particularly in the context of disinformation and electoral manipulation.

“The new division will strengthen our capacity to coordinate and optimise our existing tech infrastructure through centralised AI governance,” Olumekun noted. “It will also support data-driven decision-making, risk assessment, voter outreach, and automation—key factors for credible and transparent elections.”

He added that the division will play a crucial role in deepening electoral credibility using predictive analytics, smart automation, and intelligent safeguards.

INEC also revealed that its leadership has been actively engaging with electoral commissions across Africa on the evolving role of AI in democratic processes. These engagements have focused not only on the dangers posed by AI—such as the spread of fake news and content manipulation—but also on its potential to revolutionise voter service delivery, logistics, and polling unit distribution through geo-spatial intelligence.

“This marks a significant milestone in our internal reform efforts, especially in areas requiring only administrative action by the Commission,” Olumekun said. “It further positions INEC at the forefront of digital transformation in election management.”

The creation of the AI Division signals INEC’s commitment to future-proofing Nigeria’s elections and building a more resilient democratic system in the digital age.