AI voter register: Obidient Movement wants INEC ICT director, Bayode sacked

The Obidient Movement, through its spokesperson Justin Ijeh, has demanded the dismissal of Dr Lawrence Bayode, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This call for action stems from concerns over the appearance of AI-generated images in the voters' register.

Ijeh argued that Bayode's inability to ensure the integrity and security of the electoral database disqualified him from holding such a crucial position. He emphasized the importance of the voters' register as a core component of Nigeria's democratic process and highlighted the need for stringent technical standards, effective monitoring, and accountability in managing it.

Ijeh recalled Bayode's previous handling of INEC's ICT Directorate during elections marred by technical glitches, further questioning his competence. The spokesperson criticized Bayode for admitting staff tampered with the voters' register, raising doubts about control and supervision within the department. He questioned INEC's implementation of zero-trust protocols, verification processes, and audit controls, suggesting that the electoral body had not established adequate safeguards to prevent unauthorized changes.

Ijeh urged INEC to answer questions about its maker-checker procedures and internal audit mechanisms, warning that the controversy could further erode public confidence in the electoral process. He reiterated that the development would not deter Nigerians from demanding transparency and accountability from the electoral body, and that those lacking the necessary expertise for managing critical electoral technology should not remain in such positions.