The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared that artificial intelligence (AI) and computer algorithms will not determine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, insisting that the choice of the country’s next leaders belongs to voters.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the declaration on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, in Abuja during the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum 2026, organised in collaboration with Yiaga Africa.
The forum focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s 2027 elections amid the growing influence of artificial intelligence, digital campaigning and online information.
Amupitan stressed that although AI could influence political communication, campaign strategies and election logistics, technology must not replace the judgement and voting rights of Nigerians.
“Algorithms will not and must never decide the 2027 vote,” the INEC chairman said, adding that the authority to choose Nigeria’s leaders rests exclusively with the electorate.
INEC Chairman Says Voters Will Determine Election Winners
Amupitan explained that algorithms can analyse data, identify patterns and make predictions, but they cannot make democratic choices on behalf of citizens.
He maintained that the credibility of the electoral process depends on protecting the will of voters and ensuring that technology serves the public interest.
His remarks come as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with social media and digital platforms playing increasingly important roles in political campaigns.
The INEC chairman's position is that technology should support electoral administration rather than determine who wins an election.
The commission has repeatedly assured Nigerians that it has no preferred candidate or political party and that its responsibility is to provide a transparent and credible process for all contestants.
INEC Acknowledges AI’s Growing Influence on Campaigns
Although Amupitan ruled out algorithms deciding election outcomes, he acknowledged that artificial intelligence would significantly influence the information environment surrounding the 2027 polls.
AI tools can generate campaign materials, analyse voter trends, produce images and videos, and help political organisations target messages at different audiences.
However, the technology also creates risks, including deepfake videos, fabricated statements, manipulated images and misleading content designed to influence public opinion.
Such material can spread quickly through social media and messaging platforms, making it difficult for voters to distinguish authentic information from digitally manipulated content.
The growing use of AI has therefore raised concerns about misinformation, political impersonation and the potential misuse of personal data during election campaigns.
The INEC-Yiaga Africa forum brought together stakeholders to examine how electoral institutions, technology companies, political parties and the media can respond to these challenges.
Commission Establishes AI Division Ahead of 2027 Polls
INEC has also taken steps to strengthen its ability to address technology-related challenges before the next general elections.
Earlier in October, the commission announced the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communications Technology Department.
According to INEC, the division is intended to help identify anomalies, counter disinformation and strengthen the use of technology in electoral processes.
The commission has also said its AI-related work will operate under a governance framework that includes mandatory human oversight.
This means automated tools are intended to assist electoral officials rather than replace human responsibility for critical decisions.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on their implementation, transparency and ability to protect the integrity of election information and results.
Nigerians Urged to Remain Vigilant Against Election Misinformation
As the 2027 elections approach, voters will face an increasingly complex online information environment.
Misleading reports, false claims about candidates and manipulated videos could circulate during campaigns, potentially creating confusion or increasing political tensions.
Voters can reduce the risk of being misled by checking claims against official announcements, consulting multiple credible news organisations and avoiding the sharing of unverified material.
Political parties and candidates also have a responsibility to ensure that their communication does not deliberately mislead voters or undermine confidence in the electoral process.
Media organisations will remain important in verifying claims, investigating false information and providing accurate reporting throughout the campaign period.
INEC Says the People's Will Must Prevail
Amupitan's comments reinforce INEC's position that technology should support democracy rather than determine its outcome.
The commission faces the challenge of preparing for an election in which digital tools will play a major role in campaigning, information sharing and electoral administration.
While AI may influence how voters receive political information, the INEC chairman insists that the final decision must remain with Nigerians casting their ballots.
The credibility of the 2027 elections will therefore depend not only on technological safeguards but also on transparent administration, public trust, responsible campaigning and the protection of voters' choices.