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ABUJA, Nigeria - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sanctioned the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) department.
This announcement was made in a statement by Sam Olumekun, the national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, on Thursday in Abuja.
Olumekun mentioned that this new division is intended to help the commission leverage the positive uses of AI while addressing its negative effects on elections.
During its regular weekly meeting, the commission acknowledged the growing significance of AI in elections and electoral activities both in Nigeria and globally.
He noted that INEC has participated in several conferences across the continent focused on AI's impact on elections.
The discussions were driven not only by concerns regarding AI's potential to disseminate false information or manipulate online content but also by the desire to use its advantages for data-driven decision-making, risk assessment, and management.
Furthermore, Olumekun highlighted how AI has enhanced the automation of voter services and geo-spatial intelligence, assisting in logistical optimization for improved material distribution and polling unit assignment.
Consequently, the commission has approved the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to further capitalize on the positive elements of AI and address its adverse effects on elections.
This division will facilitate better coordination and maximize existing technology investments through centralized AI governance.
It will also improve decision-making by providing data-driven insights, risk management, and engaging voters. Additionally, it aims to enhance electoral integrity through predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards.
Olumekun emphasized that this initiative positions the commission at the forefront of embedding AI capabilities into its ICT framework and is a significant move in INEC's ongoing reform efforts in the electoral process, particularly in areas that necessitate merely administrative actions by the commission.
