The Independent National Electoral Commission has created a new Artificial Intelligence, AI,Division to tackle the spread of fake news and improve electoral operations.
INEC said the move was part of efforts to adopt global best practices in election management, particularly as AI continues to reshape how elections are conducted around the world.
In a statement on Thursday by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the decision was taken at its weekly meeting held on May 22, 2025.
Olumekun noted that INEC officials had recently participated in several conferences across Africa where experts discussed the risks and benefits of AI in elections.
He explained that while the Commission is concerned about the misuse of AI to manipulate content and spread disinformation, it is also keen to take advantage of the technology for data-driven decision-making, risk detection, and voter service automation.
“The Commission approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections,” the statement read.
According to him, the new division will help INEC coordinate its existing tech tools, improve decision-making using data, and enhance the credibility of elections through automation and predictive analytics.
Olumekun added that the initiative marks a significant step in the Commission’s reform agenda and positions INEC as a front-runner in institutionalising AI within its operations.
“This is an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission,” he said.