The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has said that Nigerians alone will determine the outcome of the 2027 general election, stressing that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) will support the electoral process without taking away the power of voters.
Amupitan explained that AI technology would assist the commission in handling key aspects of election management, including logistics, result verification and cybersecurity.
The INEC chairman’s position highlights the potential role of emerging technologies in improving election administration while ensuring that the decision on who wins an election remains in the hands of the electorate.
According to the position outlined by the chairman, AI tools are expected to support the commission’s operations and help improve the efficiency of electoral activities before, during and after the polls.
One of the areas where AI could prove useful is election logistics. Organising a nationwide election requires the movement of personnel, sensitive materials and other resources across different parts of the country. Technology could help the commission coordinate these activities, identify possible challenges and improve planning.
AI tools could also assist in checking election results and identifying inconsistencies that may require further investigation. However, such tools would serve as support systems rather than replace the official procedures for collation, verification and declaration of results.
Cybersecurity is another important area where AI could play a role. As election management increasingly depends on digital systems, protecting electoral data and information technology infrastructure against cyberattacks has become a major concern.
AI-powered security systems can help detect unusual activities, identify potential threats and alert relevant personnel to possible attempts to compromise digital platforms.
Despite these potential benefits, the use of AI in elections also raises questions about transparency, accountability and the accuracy of automated systems. Election officials would need to ensure that any technology deployed is properly tested, secure and subject to human oversight.
The technology must also operate within established electoral laws and procedures to maintain public confidence in the election process.
Nigeria’s electoral process has continued to attract public attention, particularly over the credibility of elections, the transparency of result management and the role of technology in strengthening democratic institutions.
The 2027 general election is expected to be a major test of the country’s electoral system, with voters, political parties and other stakeholders likely to closely monitor the preparations and conduct of the polls.
INEC will therefore face the task of ensuring that its systems, personnel and logistics are adequately prepared for the elections, while addressing concerns about transparency and the protection of voters’ choices.
The commission’s ability to deploy technology effectively, communicate clearly with the public and follow established electoral procedures will be important in building confidence ahead of the polls.
Amupitan’s position reinforces the principle that technology should serve as a tool for improving election administration rather than determining electoral outcomes.
Ultimately, Nigerians will exercise their democratic rights by voting for their preferred candidates, while INEC will be responsible for conducting the election in accordance with the law and announcing the results through the established process.