The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is deploying artificial intelligence tools specifically designed to detect anomalies and possible manipulation of election results as part of its preparations for the 2027 general election.
The commission has established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division under its Information and Communication Technology Department. The new unit will integrate automated AI auditing and anomaly detection systems into result verification processes and database monitoring under a five-pillar governance framework.
INEC emphasised that the technology will function under mandatory human oversight, ensuring that AI tools assist officials rather than independently determine electoral outcomes.
The AI initiative forms part of a broader readiness programme for the 2027 elections. This includes a nationwide mock accreditation and simulation exercise scheduled for November 2026, which will test election personnel, hardware and network protocols ahead of the polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, said the commission’s preparations are focused on delivering an election that meets the highest standards of credibility.
“This 100-day milestone is not just a countdown. It is a call to action,” Amupitan stated. He added that the commission aims to ensure the 2027 general election is not only successful but serves as a global benchmark for transparency, integrity and peace.
According to INEC, state-level training for Registration Area Technical Support Personnel (RACtechs) will take place in November, followed by a strategic briefing on 13 December 2026. Readiness audits will be conducted across all 774 Local Government Areas on 13 and 14 January 2027 to assess operational preparedness.
Refresher training will also be organised for personnel at the 8,809 Registration Area Centres, with on-site technical support provided during the election period.
Amupitan noted that previous off-cycle elections had served as important testing grounds for key structural upgrades. He said the exercises reaffirmed that early deployment of advanced data and sensitive materials, agile logistics infrastructure and precision-driven, intelligence-based security arrangements remain essential for seamless election delivery nationwide.
On security, INEC said the Nigeria Police Force will serve as the lead agency, while joint training for Electoral Security Personnel is ongoing through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security. The commission is also using risk-management tools, including the Election Risk Management system and the Election Violence Monitoring, Analysis and Tracking system, to track incidents and refine security strategies.
With the introduction of AI tools to detect anomalies and result manipulation, alongside mock accreditation exercises, readiness audits, technical training and enhanced security monitoring, INEC says it is strengthening its technological, logistical and security systems ahead of the 2027 general election.
