INEC creates AI division to verify results, curb fake news

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its Information and Communications Technology Department to better detect anomalies and combat disinformation before the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan unveiled the move during an update on the commission's election preparations at a World Press Conference and National Stakeholders Meeting in Abuja.

The AI Division will utilize automated AI auditing tools under a five-pillar AI governance framework with mandatory human oversight. INEC is finalizing an AI governance framework policy, collaborating with international technology partners on integrating AI-driven anomaly detection tools. Amupitan expressed concern over the rising use of generative AI, voice cloning, and deepfake videos, warning that such technology could cause voters to doubt genuine information from constitutional authorities, leading to cynicism and loss of confidence.

To counter these threats, INEC will employ technology alongside public education and work with the media, urging journalists to use digital forensic tools and verify election-related content before publishing. The commission also plans to upgrade its Voter Accreditation System devices, conduct nationwide audits and stress tests, hold a mock accreditation exercise, and establish a situation room for real-time monitoring during elections.