AI disinformation could undermine 2027 polls, INEC warns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that artificial intelligence-driven disinformation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. INEC Chairman Prof Joash Amupitan, SAN, emphasized the need to treat electoral technology and communication as a single discipline, stating that the commission's credibility depends not only on the integrity of the ballot and result systems but also on the understanding and trust of voters in the information provided.

Amupitan highlighted the growing use of generative AI to create synthetic content, which is increasingly difficult to detect and can mislead voters through manipulated audio, video, and images, as well as algorithmic microtargeting that directs contradictory messages to specific segments of the electorate. To address these concerns, INEC is conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and considering a mock presidential election to test readiness ahead of the 2027 polls.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.