The Independent National Electoral Commission has taken a significant step towards technological advancement by launching a new Artificial Intelligence Division within its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department.
The decision was made during INEC’s weekly meeting on Thursday, May 22, 2025, held in Abuja. In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission announced that the new division is being created in response to global and regional conversations about the role of AI in modern elections.
Olumekun noted that INEC had recently taken part in several African conferences where electoral officials discussed both the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence. During these sessions, experts raised concerns about AI being misused to spread fake news or manipulate online content during elections. At the same time, AI’s potential to improve electoral operations through better data analysis, automated services, and advanced logistics planning was also acknowledged.
According to the statement, “The Commission convened its regular weekly meeting on Thursday, 22 May 2025, where it considered the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in elections and electoral activities both in Nigeria and globally.”
It was further noted that the AI Division will help INEC in planning logistics more effectively, improving the distribution of election materials, and managing polling unit data. With the help of AI, the Commission hopes to carry out better forecasting and risk management, ultimately leading to more credible and efficient elections.
The statement added, “Accordingly, the Commission approved the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to maximise the positive potential of AI while mitigating its adverse effects on elections.”
By forming this new unit, INEC plans to centralise how AI tools are used within the Commission, which will improve coordination across existing technology platforms and help with smarter, faster decision-making.
“This initiative positions the Commission at the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within its ICT infrastructure and represents a significant step in ongoing electoral reforms that require administrative action by the Commission,” the statement concluded.
