The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of planning to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general elections in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The allegation was made on Wednesday, October 15, by Osa Director, the NDC's National Publicity Secretary, in a statement. Director did not provide evidence to support the claim, according to Legit.ng.
NDC Questions INEC's AI Readiness
Director argued that INEC has not demonstrated that AI technology is ready for use in a general election, noting that the commission had not piloted the AI tools during any off-cycle election. He singled out the Osun State governorship election as a missed opportunity to test such systems before the 2027 polls. He also criticized what he called the rushed timeline for the proposed deployment, saying the commission had not allowed enough time to establish the reliability and integrity of the technology.
"For a nation that has not been able to use AI to solve its intractable security challenges, is it the problem of electing public officers that it can now resolve with AI?" Director said. The NDC's National Publicity Secretary also urged Nigerians and the international community to pay close attention to INEC's alleged plans, describing the proposed AI deployment as a potential attempt to undermine the electoral process. He called for opposition to the move, framing it as a threat to the credibility of the 2027 vote.
NDC Calls for International Scrutiny
Director called for opposition to the alleged AI deployment, framing it as a threat to the integrity of the 2027 elections. "A New Nigeria is possible. We can do it!" he said in closing. The NDC's allegations have drawn attention to the broader question of how AI tools should be introduced into Nigeria's electoral system, with critics and opposition figures now demanding greater transparency from INEC over its technology plans ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC has not responded to the NDC's allegations as of the time of reporting. The NDC's statement was shared on X (formerly Twitter), where the party detailed its concerns about the electoral commission's technology plans.
Broader Political Context
In related political developments, Senator Seriake Dickson asserted that nobody is doing the party a favour by handing the presidential ticket to Peter Obi for the 2027 elections. Dickson stated that he could have emerged as the party's presidential flagbearer for the 2027 polls, citing his track record. He urged Obi's supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could undermine the party.
The NDC's allegations come amid growing scrutiny of INEC's technology plans, with opposition figures and critics demanding clarity on how AI tools would be integrated into the electoral process. The commission has yet to issue a formal response to the NDC's claims, leaving questions about the readiness and transparency of its AI deployment plans unanswered ahead of the 2027 general elections.
