INEC Chairman Raises Alarm Over AI Disinformation Threat to 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Joah Amupitan, has issued a stern warning regarding the severe risk that artificial intelligence-driven disinformation poses to the integrity of Nigeria's 2027 general elections. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, September 2, Amupitan highlighted that generative AI has significantly lowered the cost and increased the difficulty of detecting fabricated videos, audio recordings, and images.

He brought up instances of manipulated political content that circulated during recent electoral processes in both West and East Africa, specifically mentioning doctored materials linked to Nigeria's own 2023 presidential election. The INEC boss cautioned that such deceptive content could reach millions of social media users rapidly, long before fact-checkers are able to verify its authenticity.

Professor Amupitan further explained that the danger extends beyond outright fabrications. He noted that algorithmic micro-targeting has the potential to deliver varied, and at times contradictory, messages to specific voter segments without a shared factual foundation. He acknowledged that the 2023 general election demonstrated how such technological systems, when they underperform, can become a source of public skepticism.

"Legitimacy is earned only when systems perform reliably, are well understood, and are explained honestly when they fall short," he was quoted as saying, underscoring the importance of transparency and reliability.

In response to these challenges, Professor Amupitan revealed that INEC is currently conducting a thorough audit of its electoral technology systems. This audit encompasses critical areas such as system redundancy, penetration testing, and comprehensive disaster recovery planning. Additionally, the Commission is considering organizing a mock presidential election before 2027. This exercise aims to rigorously test accreditation, transmission, and results viewing mechanisms under conditions that closely simulate an actual election day.