2027 Elections: INEC Deploys AI Strategy, Plans BVAS Mock Test, PWD Inclusion

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled fresh measures to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general election, including a planned mock accreditation exercise for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the deployment of artificial intelligence to address emerging electoral challenges.

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this in Abuja when he received the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission in Nigeria, David Sproule, and his delegation at the Commission’s headquarters.

Amupitan said INEC was working to improve its institutional capacity while strengthening electoral technology, cybersecurity and access to the electoral process for women, youths and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

He said the Commission was also intensifying efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, INEC plans to conduct a mock accreditation exercise later this year to test its electoral equipment, particularly the BVAS, and identify possible challenges before the general election.

INEC Establishes Dedicated AI Unit

The INEC chairman disclosed that the Commission had established a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Unit to examine how the technology could be responsibly deployed across key areas of the electoral process.

He said the unit would explore applications of AI in data management, voter registration and results transmission.

At the same time, the Commission is developing safeguards against potential threats posed by emerging technologies, including deepfakes and AI-generated disinformation.

The move comes as electoral bodies globally grapple with the potential impact of artificial intelligence on political communication, voter information and public confidence in election results.

Off-Cycle Elections Used as Testing Ground

Amupitan said INEC had continued to use off-cycle elections to test and improve its operational systems ahead of nationwide polls.

He cited recent elections in Anambra, the Federal Capital Territory, Ekiti and Osun states as examples of exercises that provided opportunities for the Commission to assess its processes and improve future election management.

He said lessons from the elections would contribute to preparations for the 2027 general election.

Campaigns Already Underway

The INEC chairman also confirmed that campaigns and public rallies for the 2027 general election officially commenced on August 19.

He said the development followed the signing of the First National Peace Accord on Issue-Based Campaigns by presidential candidates on August 18.

Amupitan urged political actors and other stakeholders to uphold peaceful and issue-based campaigns as the country moves towards the 2027 elections.

He further expressed INEC’s readiness to collaborate with international partners in areas including electoral technology, capacity building, inclusion, civic education and the protection of electoral integrity.

Canada Pledges Support

Earlier, the Canadian High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires, David Sproule, said Canada remained committed to supporting INEC’s efforts to deliver free, fair and credible elections in 2027.

Sproule explained that the delegation visited INEC to receive updates on the Commission’s preparations and identify areas where Canada could provide technical assistance.

Amupitan described Nigeria and Canada as longstanding partners with shared commitments to democratic values, the rule of law and good governance.

He expressed appreciation for Canada’s continued support for Nigeria’s democratic development and said INEC would deepen its partnership with the country as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.

The Commission’s latest measures signal an increasing focus on technology, cybersecurity, inclusion and institutional preparedness as Nigeria approaches another crucial electoral cycle.