By Jude Opara
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has questioned the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) in the 2027 general elections, alleging that the technology could be used to manipulate the outcome in favour of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, expressed concern over the planned adoption of AI, demanding an explanation for INEC’s decision to introduce the technology without first testing its effectiveness during off-cycle elections.
Director’s reaction followed a recent announcement by INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, that the commission was planning to deploy AI in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on X, the NDC spokesman accused the electoral body of planning to use the technology to influence the outcome of the polls in favour of the APC.
“INEC is plotting to rig the 2027 general elections in favour of the ruinous APC by deploying Artificial Intelligence, AI,” he alleged.
He questioned the commission’s decision to embrace the technology ahead of the general elections without first conducting trial runs to establish its effectiveness and reliability.
“Suddenly, AI has become an attractive tool for the election management body,” Director said.
He further challenged INEC to explain why the technology was not tested during off-cycle elections to assess its performance before being considered for nationwide deployment.
“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?” he asked.
The NDC spokesman also expressed concern over the timing of the proposed innovation, arguing that the commission appeared to be rushing its implementation ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Why the hurry to use AI in the forthcoming general elections, just less than 100 days away? Something is amiss,” he added.
Director also questioned the government’s capacity to deploy artificial intelligence effectively in electoral administration when, according to him, the technology had not been used to address the country’s persistent insecurity.
The allegations have added to the debate surrounding INEC’s proposed adoption of emerging technologies in the electoral process, particularly concerns about transparency, reliability and public confidence in the outcome of the 2027 elections.
However, the NDC’s claims that INEC intends to manipulate the polls in favour of the APC were allegations by the opposition party and were not independently substantiated in the report.
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