By Joy Odor
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its electoral processes by establishing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division.
According to Mr. Sam Olumekun, the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee in a press statement shortly after its regular weekly meeting, the new division will enhance data-driven decision-making, risk detection, and voter services automation.
He informed that the AI Division, housed within the ICT Department, will provide geo-spatial intelligence to optimize logistics and polling unit allocation.
Olumekun affirmed that it will also leverage data-driven insights, predictive analytics, and automation to strengthen electoral credibility, improve risk management, and boost voter engagement.
He mentioned that INEC’s decision to create the AI Division follows a series of conferences with electoral stakeholders across Africa, where the commission explored the benefits and challenges of AI in election planning and administration.
According to him, the Commission aimed to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its negative impacts, such as the spread of fake news and content manipulation.
Olumekun opined that with the AI Division, INEC would be better equipped to coordinate and maximize its technology investments through centralized AI governance.
He maintained that the initiative marks a significant step in INEC’s ongoing electoral reform efforts and positions the commission at the forefront of AI adoption in electoral processes.
