NDC rejects INEC’s AI plan for the 2027 elections as concerns grow over electoral records, transparency and result transmission.
NDC Raises Fresh Concerns Over 2027 Election
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has rejected INEC’s plan to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) in the 2027 general elections.
NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, also raised concerns about the commission’s handling of electronic election records. He described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the “greatest threat” to Nigeria’s democracy.
“There is a need for Nigerians to be afraid of the 2027 election,” Director said.
He urged Nigerians and the international community to pressure INEC to conduct a free, fair and credible election.
“We have to ensure that we compel INEC to do what is right,” he added.
2023 Election Records Spark Concern
Director spoke after MundX Analytics raised concerns about access to some 2023 election results on INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
The Nigerian elections data company alleged that a domain INEC used to deliver 2023 polling-unit result sheets had expired. A private firm later acquired the domain, while some IReV links reportedly redirected users to advertising websites.
“This is bigger than a broken link,” MundX said.
“It is a failure to protect access to Nigeria’s public election record.”
INEC, however, said the 2023 election results remain safe. The commission said it securely stored the records on Amazon Web Services.
NDC, Obidient Movement Oppose AI Plan
Director also questioned INEC’s ability to manage AI during the 2027 elections.Asked if he supported the plan, he said,
“No way. We have not been able to do things properly. Is it when they deploy AI that the commission doesn’t have capacity to control that we will get it right? I don’t think so.”
The Obidient Movement has also opposed the proposed AI deployment. Its National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, demanded clearer explanations about how INEC plans to use the technology.
Tanko also urged INEC to address concerns about electoral transparency, result transmission and public trust before deploying AI.
INEC Explains Its 2027 AI Strategy
INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, said the commission would use AI to detect discrepancies and administrative errors in election results.
He also said INEC would use AI to tackle election-related disinformation. Such threats include fake result sheets, cloned voices, fabricated videos and forged official documents.
To manage the technology, INEC has created an Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT Department. The commission has also developed an AI roadmap and governance framework.
According to Amupitan, the framework prioritises human oversight, transparency, accountability, data protection and cybersecurity. He stressed that AI would support human officials rather than replace them. INEC said automated checks would still undergo human audits and legal verification.
