The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has launched a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its ICT Department in a move to institutionalise emerging technologies across Nigeria’s electoral system.

The Commission says the creation of the AI Division, approved at its regular meeting held Thursday, May 22, 2025, marks a strategic shift toward adopting AI tools to enhance election management, logistics, voter services and electoral integrity.

INEC says the decision follows regional engagements with electoral commissions across Africa and growing global discussions on the dual impact of AI — including its role in tackling disinformation, automating services, supporting data-driven decisions, and strengthening geo-spatial intelligence for elections.

According to the electoral body, the new division will serve as the central unit for coordinating the Commission’s AI initiatives and optimising its technology investments. It is expected to provide predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards designed to improve decision-making, voter engagement, and overall electoral credibility.

INEC: We are institutionalising AI capabilities

“Consequently, the Commission approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections,” INEC says in a statement released following the meeting.

According to the electoral body, the new division will serve as the central unit for coordinating the Commission’s AI initiatives and optimising its technology investments. It is expected to provide predictive analytics, automation, and intelligent safeguards designed to improve decision-making, voter engagement, and overall electoral credibility.

The Commission notes that the initiative is part of internal reforms that can be implemented without legislative amendment, further positioning INEC as a pioneer in AI integration within democratic institutions in Nigeria.

“This initiative puts the Commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure. It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission,” INEC says.

INEC’s move comes amid increasing concern globally over AI-powered disinformation and manipulated content, even as opportunities for digital innovation in electoral systems continue to grow.