Experts say Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) detect duplicate registrations and strengthen the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 elections.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the comments follow INEC’s disclosure that its biometric system flagged 268,000 records over suspected AI-generated photographs and other irregularities.
CDA News Nigeria gathered that INEC admitted some registration officers used their authorised login credentials to introduce the irregularities. INEC’s ICT Director, Dr Lawrence Bayode, said human adjudicators are removing flagged records, and the commission did not say how many it has reviewed.
Bayode said photographs enhanced by phone AI apps will not lead to exclusion, but images generated entirely by AI will be removed. He said some people exploited a special registration option meant for voters with disabilities.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan has defended the technology. “AI is not an enemy of democracy,” he said at a summit in Abuja on November 2.
Experts said AI can automate biometric identification, track materials and help voters get information in local languages. Prof. Oludele Awodele of Babcock University warned that it can also fabricate audio and video, and urged deepfake detection tools and sanctions for offenders.
They also warned that a fake notice announcing a postponement of voting could keep people from the polls. INEC advised voters to confirm any postponement on its official media platforms.
The experts spoke ahead of a PUNCH Media Foundation webinar on AI and the 2027 elections, scheduled for Wednesday, November 11.
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