Jonathan's advocacy reflects a wider demand for comprehensive electoral automation, particularly in critical processes like accreditation, voting, and result transmission.

INEC recognizes the dual nature of AI, acknowledging both its risks, such as misinformation and content manipulation, and its potential benefits in enhancing logistical planning and voter services.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a new Artificial Intelligence Division aimed at enhancing the electoral process in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

This initiative seeks to centralize AI governance, optimize technology investments, and improve decision-making and voter engagement through insightful data analysis.

The announcement of this new division was made by Sam Olumekun, INEC's National Commissioner, during a weekly meeting held in Abuja on May 22, 2025.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed the importance of full automation for ensuring electoral integrity, advocating for systems that operate independently of human discretion to prevent manipulation.

Concerns about electoral integrity were underscored during the 2023 general elections when INEC's Results Viewing Portal (IREV) faced a glitch, leading to public distrust and legal disputes over the presidential election results.

Despite the optimism surrounding the AI initiative, critics warn that human factors, such as manipulation and collusion, still pose significant threats to the integrity of elections.

INEC acknowledges that while AI reforms can be implemented administratively, there is a need for a cultural shift towards integrity among personnel managing these systems.

The AI Division is expected to strengthen INEC's capabilities in areas such as data-driven decision-making, risk detection, voter service automation, and logistical planning using geo-spatial intelligence.

While the establishment of the AI Division is viewed positively, many believe its success will hinge on comprehensive institutional reforms and strict adherence to electoral laws.

There have been calls for INEC to disclose the ethical framework and safeguards governing the deployment of AI, ensuring accountability and transparency in the electoral process.