2027: Only Nigerians, not algorithms will decide election results — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that artificial intelligence (AI) will not determine the outcome of the 2027 general election. Prof. Joash Amupitan, the INEC Chairman, made this clear at the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja. He emphasized that the "choice of who leads the country belongs to the electorate," and that algorithms will not and must never decide the 2027 votes.

Amupitan explained that while AI-driven geospatial analysis and predictive modelling could improve election logistics, the final decision remains with the Nigerian people. He stated that INEC has already incorporated AI components, such as facial recognition and fingerprint technologies, into its voter accreditation system. The commission is currently refining its systems to ensure responsible AI deployment and has established an AI division within its Information and Communication Technology Department.

Amupitan highlighted that INEC is developing an AI governance policy to guide the technology's use throughout the electoral process.