INEC confirms Nigerians, not algorithms, will decide 2027 election

2027 election: AI to aid, not decide

On 26 October 2026, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that artificial intelligence (AI) would be used to improve electoral operations for the 2027 general election, but it would not determine the result. The statement came from Prof. Joash Amupitan, the commission’s chairman, during the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 held in Abuja.

Amupitan answered a question from reporters about whether algorithms would decide the 2027 vote. He responded with a firm refusal. According to him, automated systems are prohibited from determining the outcome of the 2027 ballots. He further emphasized that only the Nigerian populace holds the sole authority to select the nation’s leader.

The head of the body clarified that artificial intelligence-based spatial analysis and forecasting models could assist the agency in fulfilling its logistical needs, including the timely distribution of voting supplies and the initiation of the ballot process. He cited improvements reported by civil society organisations and election observers in the five major elections and more than 16 by‑elections overseen since he took office on 23 October 2025.

Background

INEC has been experimenting with AI tools for several years. The commission has already embedded AI components in technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which uses facial recognition and fingerprint technology for voter accreditation. Similar AI features were also present in the smart card readers that preceded BVAS.

At the start of October, the agency revealed the establishment of a specialized artificial intelligence unit inside its Information and Communication Technology division. This new department is intended to aid in the confirmation of outcomes and bolster digital security measures prior to the 2027 polls. Additionally, the body has incorporated machine-learning audit mechanisms into its verification procedures, operating within a five-part regulatory structure that requires constant human supervision.

Amupitan noted that the electoral commission was in the final stages of developing a policy to regulate the application of this technology in voting activities. He noted that some details of the preparations could not be disclosed publicly because of cybersecurity concerns.

Why it matters

The statement clarifies the role of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process. While AI will be used for logistics, result verification and cybersecurity, the decision on who will lead the country remains in the hands of the electorate. This is significant for voters, political parties and civil society groups that monitor the integrity of the electoral system.

The commission’s use of AI for predictive logistics optimisation has reportedly led to earlier deployment of election materials and earlier commencement of voting, according to civil society reports. The integration of AI auditing tools and a governance framework aims to ensure that any use of AI is transparent, lawful and subject to human oversight.

The announcement also addresses concerns that algorithms could influence or determine election outcomes, reassuring the public that the democratic process will not be overridden by technology.

What happens next

INEC will continue to refine its AI systems and finalise its AI governance policy before the 2027 elections. The commission has already established a dedicated AI division and integrated AI auditing tools into its result verification process. No specific dates for the release of the final policy were announced, but the commission will likely publish further details as the election approaches.

The commission’s statements were made at the AI and Democracy Forum 2026 in Abuja, and were reported by both Punch and Arise News. No other sources provided differing accounts of the commission’s stance on AI in the 2027 election.