INEC chairman Amupitan Warns AI Disinformation, Logistics Gaps Threaten Credible 2027 Elections
INEC Warns of AI Disinformation, Security Risks Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, has raised concerns over emerging threats that could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2nd annual conference of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies, Amupitan identified a “sophisticated triad” of challenges facing the electoral process. These include the spread of AI-driven disinformation, foreign information manipulation, and persistent logistical gaps.
He warned that the increasing influence of social media and digital technologies has created new vulnerabilities, particularly as false information can now be weaponised to mislead voters and destabilise the electoral environment.
According to him, these digital threats are further compounded by existing security issues such as insurgency and communal conflicts, which together deepen public distrust in the electoral system.
Amupitan stressed that elections and national security are closely linked, noting that without a secure environment, the will of the people cannot be effectively expressed. He described credible elections as the foundation of democracy and a key measure of national stability.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s legal framework—including the Constitution and the Electoral Act—as providing the structure for elections, but emphasised that effective security is essential for those laws to function properly.
With the 2027 election timetable already announced—presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, and governorship and state assembly elections for February 6—he said preparations must now be treated as both an administrative and security priority.
Amupitan called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders, including electoral officials, security agencies, civil society, and voters, to safeguard the process.
He added that INEC would continue to rely on technological tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) to enhance transparency and reduce electoral fraud.
Ultimately, he noted that restoring public trust in elections is critical, as confidence in the process reduces tensions and strengthens national unity.