Nigerians, not algorithms, will decide 2027 polls — INEC chairman

The Chairman of Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated on Wednesday that human voters, not algorithms, will determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections. Addressing the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja, Amupitan emphasized that democratic institutions must remain the ultimate authority in the country's electoral process.

While he acknowledged that AI would significantly influence various aspects of the elections, he firmly stated that algorithms will not decide the vote and must never be allowed to do so. Amupitan warned that AI could impact the circulation of information, election logistics, and the actions of both democratic actors and anti-democratic disruptors.

He highlighted the challenges posed by generative AI, deepfakes, targeted political advertising, algorithmic bias, and automated cyberattacks, which could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections. The chairman emphasized that critical electoral decisions, result collation, voter accreditation, and candidate qualification will always be under human accountability, statutory oversight, and judicial review.