INEC chair says algorithms will not decide 2027 elections

Summary

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan says artificial intelligence may affect election administration, but Nigerians will decide the outcome of the 2027 polls.

Highlights

• Amupitan spoke in Abuja at the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum 2026, themed on safeguarding the 2027 general elections in the age of AI.
• He said algorithms may predict patterns and support logistics, but should not replace human judgment or democratic institutions.
• The INEC chairman said AI could shape the information environment around elections and affect logistics, security and manipulation tactics.
• He said the forum brought together electoral officials, party leaders, civil society groups, media executives, security agencies, technology companies and development partners.