The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established a specialised artificial intelligence unit to detect deepfake videos, monitor digital threats and combat election-related misinformation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the Artificial Intelligence and Democracy Forum in Abuja, warning that the growing misuse of AI could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
The forum, organised in collaboration with Yiaga Africa, focused on safeguarding the 2027 elections against the emerging threats posed by artificial intelligence and digital manipulation.
Amupitan warned that AI-generated videos, cloned audio recordings and fabricated documents could be used to mislead voters, impersonate electoral officials and spread false announcements about candidates, voting arrangements and election results.
He stressed that technology must support electoral integrity rather than determine political outcomes, insisting that the 2027 elections must be decided by voters and not manipulated algorithms.
The new unit is expected to strengthen INEC’s capacity to identify suspicious digital content and detect possible irregularities in election-related information. The commission has also been integrating automated AI auditing tools into its results verification process, with human oversight retained in critical decisions.
The initiative comes amid growing concerns about the speed at which misleading information spreads across social media platforms and messaging applications, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
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Deepfake technology allows users to manipulate videos, images and audio recordings to make individuals appear to say or do things they never did. When such material involves political leaders or electoral officials, it can trigger confusion, damage reputations and influence public opinion before the truth emerges.
For Nigerians living abroad, the issue is particularly relevant because diaspora communities frequently rely on online news, social media and messaging platforms to follow developments at home.
Fabricated political statements or false election announcements can circulate rapidly among overseas communities, influencing perceptions of Nigeria and potentially heightening tensions among supporters of rival political parties.
INEC’s initiative could help strengthen confidence in official electoral communications, but its effectiveness will depend on transparent procedures, timely responses to false claims and the ability to distinguish deliberate manipulation from legitimate political criticism.
The commission also faces the challenge of ensuring that the use of AI does not compromise political neutrality or create unnecessary restrictions on freedom of expression.
Media organisations have been urged to strengthen fact-checking procedures and verify election-related videos, audio recordings and documents before publication. INEC has also emphasised the importance of relying on its official communication channels for authoritative electoral information.
The coming months will be crucial as political parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections and campaign-related content becomes more prominent online.
For Nigeria, the challenge extends beyond detecting fake videos. It involves protecting voters’ access to reliable information, maintaining confidence in electoral institutions and ensuring that digital technology does not become a tool for undermining democratic participation.
As the election approaches, cooperation among INEC, news organisations, technology companies, civil society groups and citizens will be essential to limiting the impact of disinformation.
The success of the new AI unit will ultimately depend on whether it can identify manipulated content quickly, communicate verified facts clearly and maintain public trust across Nigeria’s diverse political landscape.
