The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division aimed at enhancing its use of data for informed decision-making, risk management, and automation of voter services.
This development was announced by Mr. Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement issued in Abuja. He explained that during its regular weekly meeting, the commission reviewed the growing role of AI in elections both locally and globally.
The new AI Division, housed within INEC’s ICT Department, is expected to support key operational areas such as geo-spatial intelligence to improve logistics, distribution of election materials, and polling unit allocation.
Olumekun noted that the initiative will also boost data-driven decision-making, risk assessment, and public engagement. AI tools will be used to enhance the credibility of elections through predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and built-in safeguards.
He added that INEC’s participation in various international conferences on AI and elections had highlighted not only concerns about AI-fueled misinformation but also its potential to positively transform election administration.
As a result, the commission approved the creation of the AI Division to harness AI’s advantages while minimizing its risks. The new unit will help streamline and coordinate INEC’s existing technology systems under a centralized AI framework.
According to Olumekun, this step positions INEC as a leader in adopting AI for electoral purposes and reflects its broader efforts to reform electoral processes through internal administrative improvements.
