By Tony Ezimakor, Abuja
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Amupitan, has again stressed the imperative of the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in electoral management, and urged election management bodies to develop security safeguards needed for its responsible use.
Prof Amupitan stated this Tuesday in Abuja while playing host to a delegation of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC), pointing out that the responsible use of technology will protect public trust.
The visit followed a two-day validation meeting in Abuja of ECONEC’s guidelines on the use of AI in electoral processes.
The guidelines were developed by a working group set up after the ECONEC Symposium held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2025, which focused on AI and election integrity.
Welcoming the delegation led by Mr. Serigne Ka, Head of the ECOWAS Electoral Assistance Division and Permanent Secretary of ECONEC, Prof Amupitan said INEC leadership considers the visit auspicious to pause its regular business to receive the delegation.
Prof Amupitan described ECONEC as an important regional platform for cooperation, peer learning and the strengthening of democratic institutions across West Africa.
He said the visit offered another opportunity to deepen relationships among electoral management bodies and to exchange practical knowledge.
Commenting on the guidelines, the Chairman acknowledged that many people remain doubtful about the technology.
“A lot of people are very skeptical about the use of AI because of the dangers inherent in it; however, the scepticism does not remove AI from the electoral environment.
“Even if you don’t want to use it, every system you have, even your phone already has AI in it,” Prof Amupitan said.
According to him, a commitment to using AI must go hand in hand with protecting institutions and citizens from its misuse.
“When we say we want to use AI, it means that you want to have features or cyber skills that will prevent your own phone system from being used against you,” he said.
The INEC Chairman stressed that young people should be a particular focus in the effort to secure and protect AI usage.
“You need to ensure that you get security, especially with our youth.
You need to use AI most of the time in voter registration,” he said.
“We also need to have people there to be able to give responses. People like to ask questions,” he added.
“Through AI, you are able to provide information, frequently asked questions; information is pulled out,” the Chairman noted.
The INEC Chairman said the guidelines come at a critical time for Nigeria, with the 2027 General Elections looming at the corner.
Prof Amupitan maintained that there is need for electoral commissions in the region to continue to collaborate, share expertise on electronic result transmission and record management.
He also listed the strengthening of peer learning and logistics, risk assessment, personnel training and election planning as areas where member commissions could support one another.
The INEC Chairman further called for the promotion of preventive regulations for political parties “to enhance compliance and reduce disputes.”
Prof Amupitan stressed the need for inclusive participation, particularly for vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.
“But equally important is institutionalizing post-election reviews,” he said, adding that follow-up missions were also needed “to ensure that recommendations are prioritized,” implementation monitored and technical support provided.
Prof Amupitan said institutional readiness, transparency and public confidence remained central to Nigeria’s preparations.
“INEC remains committed to working with ECONEC and other regional partners to strengthen electoral administration and democracy,” he said, expressing hope for “practical outcomes that advance our shared democratic aspirations.”
Earlier, Mr. Ka had explained that the mission to Nigeria was a follow-up to the ECONEC Symposium held in Dakar in November 2025.
He said ECONEC holds a symposium on a chosen theme every year, and that the 2025 edition was devoted to AI and election integrity.
Mr. Ka said the delegation was looking forward to implementation of the guidelines and called for the support of the wider international community.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Prof Amupitan (c; front row) and others after the meeting.
