INEC CREATES AI DIVISION TO VERIFY RESULTS, CURB FAKE NEWS

The Independent National Electoral Commission has established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Division under its Information and Communications Technology Department as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
INEC said the new division is designed to strengthen the commission’s ability to detect anomalies in election results and tackle the spread of disinformation.
The commission said automated AI auditing tools have also been integrated into its results verification process to help identify discrepancies and other irregularities.
According to INEC, the technology will operate under a governance framework with human oversight, meaning artificial intelligence will support electoral officials rather than independently make decisions.
The commission is also focusing on the growing use of generative AI, voice cloning and deepfake videos to create fake voices of election officials, manipulated result sheets and other fabricated election-related content.
INEC warned that the spread of such content could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and make it more difficult for voters to distinguish genuine information from false claims.
The commission said it would combine technology with public education and collaboration with the media to tackle disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.
INEC has also urged journalists and media organisations to verify election-related information before publication and avoid amplifying unverified results or premature declarations.