INEC creates AI division to verify election results, tackle fake news

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division to detect irregularities in election results and combat disinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while presenting an update on the commission’s preparations for the elections at a world press conference and national stakeholders’ meeting.

Amupitan said the commission had integrated automated AI auditing tools into its results verification process as part of efforts to strengthen electoral integrity and protect the credibility of election outcomes.

He explained that the initiative would operate under a five-pillar AI governance framework with mandatory human oversight, adding that the commission was finalising its AI governance policy.

“The commission has established a dedicated artificial intelligence division within the ICT department. Automated AI auditing tools have been integrated into our results verification process, under a five-pillar AI governance framework, operating under mandatory human oversight,” he said.

The INEC chairman said the commission was also working with international technology leaders and partners to integrate AI-powered tools capable of detecting anomalies.

He expressed concern over the growing use of generative AI, voice cloning and deepfake videos to fabricate the voices of election officials, result sheets and other official documents.

According to him, the spread of convincing fake content could undermine public confidence in genuine information released by constitutionally authorised institutions.