The Independent National Electoral Commission has warned that artificial intelligence powered disinformation could pose a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, said the growing sophistication of artificial intelligence has made it easier to create fake videos, audio recordings and images capable of misleading voters and undermining confidence in the electoral process.
Amupitan disclosed that INEC was conducting a comprehensive audit of its electoral technology systems and considering a mock presidential election to test its preparedness ahead of the polls.
He said the commission was also planning stronger measures to respond quickly to false information, improve public communication and collaborate with media organisations, fact checkers and technology platforms.
According to him, technology and communication can no longer be treated as separate aspects of election management, particularly as social media and other digital platforms continue to influence political discussions.
The INEC chairman urged media professionals, technology experts, scholars and other stakeholders to work with the commission to improve public understanding and protect trust in the electoral process.
The commission also called for continuous public media literacy to help Nigerians identify manipulated content and verify information before sharing it.
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