The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of planning to manipulate the 2027 general elections through the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI), alleging that the technology could be used to favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, questioned the commission’s decision to introduce AI into the electoral process, suggesting that the proposed move could undermine the credibility of the forthcoming polls.
The controversy follows a recent world press conference where INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, announced the commission’s intention to deploy AI in conducting the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the announcement, Director expressed doubts about the commission’s ability to use the technology effectively to address electoral challenges, particularly against the backdrop of persistent insecurity in the country.
In a statement posted on X, the NDC spokesperson said: “INEC is plotting to rig the 2027 general elections in favour of the ruinous APC by deploying Artificial Intelligence, AI.
“Suddenly, AI has become an attractive tool for the election management body.
“Not even a test run of the efficiency, or otherwise, of AI tools in off-cycle elections? Why did INEC not test-run AI in the Osun polls?”
“Why the hurry to use AI in the forthcoming general elections, just less than 100 days away? Something is amiss,” he added.
The NDC’s allegations have raised questions about the proposed application of AI in Nigeria’s electoral process, including the need to establish the technology’s reliability before its deployment in a nationwide election.
The commission’s plan to incorporate AI into the 2027 polls comes as preparations for the elections continue, with the effectiveness and transparency of electoral technology expected to remain key issues in the build-up to the vote.
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