The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised alarm over the growing threat of artificial intelligence-powered disinformation, warning that it could seriously undermine the credibility of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Prof. Joah Amupitan, Chairman of INEC, made this disclosure while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, highlighting that generative AI has made the production of fake videos, audio recordings, and images cheaper and increasingly difficult to detect.
AI-Driven Fake Content on the Rise
Amupitan noted that recent elections in West and East Africa have already seen manipulated political content circulated widely, including doctored materials linked to Nigeria's 2023 presidential election. He warned that such materials could reach millions of social media users before fact-checkers are able to verify them, posing a significant challenge to electoral integrity.
The INEC chairman explained that the threat extends beyond outright fabrication. Algorithmic micro-targeting, he said, could allow different and sometimes contradictory messages to be delivered to specific segments of the electorate without a common factual basis. This, he argued, could fragment public understanding of electoral issues and candidates.
Lessons from the 2023 General Election
Amupitan acknowledged that the 2023 general election demonstrated how technology could become a source of public doubt when it underperforms. He stressed the importance of reliable systems, stating: “Legitimacy is earned only when systems perform reliably, are well understood, and are explained honestly when they fall short.”
The chairman's remarks come as INEC prepares for the next electoral cycle, with the commission under pressure to ensure that its processes are transparent and resilient against both technological and human threats.
INEC's Response: Tech Audit and Mock Election
To address these challenges, Prof. Amupitan disclosed that INEC is undertaking a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems. The audit covers system redundancy, penetration testing, and disaster recovery planning, ensuring that the commission's infrastructure can withstand cyber threats and operational failures.
In addition, the commission is exploring the conduct of a mock presidential election ahead of 2027. This exercise would test accreditation, transmission, and results viewing under conditions similar to election day, providing valuable insights into potential vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
The move signals INEC's commitment to strengthening its electoral framework in the face of evolving digital threats. By proactively addressing these risks, the commission aims to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process and maintain public confidence in its outcomes.
