The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured Nigerians that the outcome of the 2027 general election will be determined by voters and not artificial intelligence (AI) or computer algorithms.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, gave the assurance at the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja, where he explained the commission’s plans to deploy artificial intelligence to improve electoral operations while ensuring that technology does not replace human decision-making.
Responding to a question on whether algorithms would determine the outcome of the 2027 elections, Amupitan said the decision on who governs Nigeria rests exclusively with the electorate.
He stressed that artificial intelligence would not be allowed to determine election results, insisting that Nigerians would retain the power to choose their leaders through the ballot.
The INEC chairman, however, noted that AI-powered tools could improve election logistics, route planning and other operational processes ahead of the polls.
He disclosed that the commission had tested predictive logistics systems during previous elections, with reports from civil society organisations and election observers indicating improvements in the early deployment of election materials and the commencement of voting.
Amupitan also explained that AI components were already incorporated into some electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which uses facial recognition and fingerprint technology to verify voters.
He said the commission was refining its systems to address potential challenges associated with artificial intelligence and ensure that the technology was used lawfully.
The chairman added that some details of INEC’s preparations could not be made public because of cybersecurity concerns.
Amupitan further disclosed that the commission had established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communications Technology Directorate to strengthen result verification and protect electoral systems against cyber threats.
According to him, INEC has also integrated automated AI auditing tools into its result verification process under a governance framework that requires human oversight.
He said the commission was finalising its AI governance policy to guide the responsible use of the technology throughout the electoral process.
The INEC chairman maintained that although artificial intelligence could support electoral administration, the ultimate authority to determine Nigeria’s political leadership would remain with its citizens.
The 2027 general election is expected to test the commission’s preparations, particularly its ability to deploy technology effectively, protect electoral information and maintain public confidence in the voting process.
