2027 Polls: INEC Seeks UK Backing on AI, Cybersecurity, Election Technology

As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gather momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought deeper collaboration with the United Kingdom in deploying election technology, strengthening cybersecurity, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI), and combating misinformation to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, made the request on Wednesday while receiving the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

He described the United Kingdom as one of Nigeria’s enduring democratic partners, saying years of cooperation had evolved from election observation to institutional support aimed at deepening credible elections and democratic governance.

According to Amupitan, INEC has continued to implement reforms and technological innovations despite operating within a tight electoral timetable ahead of the 2027 polls.

He disclosed that the Commission recently extended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks to give more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register before the legal deadline.

“We decided to extend the registration to ensure that those who did not have the opportunity to register are not left out. At the same time, we must comply with the legal timelines for publishing the voters’ register ahead of the elections,” he said.

The INEC chairman said the Commission had expanded its digital services by introducing online pre-registration, allowing prospective voters to begin the registration process electronically before completing biometric capture at designated registration centres.

He also revealed that INEC had upgraded its voter accreditation and election result management systems while carrying out comprehensive cybersecurity assessments, including penetration testing, disaster recovery planning and software resilience reviews to protect critical electoral infrastructure.

On election security, Amupitan said the Commission was working closely with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) to guarantee the safety of election personnel, voters and electoral materials.

He added that consultations with political parties, civil society organisations and the media had been intensified to build public confidence and ensure peaceful elections.

The INEC chairman listed election technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, voter education, civic participation, conflict prevention, crisis communication, inclusion of women, youths and persons with disabilities, as well as efforts to counter fake news and disinformation, among the key areas where Nigeria hopes to deepen cooperation with the UK.

He also sought greater collaboration on technical exchanges and capacity-building programmes for electoral officials.

“We value our partnership with the United Kingdom and look forward to strengthening cooperation in areas such as election technology, cybersecurity, voter education and combating misinformation as we prepare for the 2027 general elections,” Amupitan said.

Responding, the British High Commissioner reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions, saying London remained interested in the success of Nigeria’s electoral process.

Montgomery said the visit formed part of ongoing engagements with INEC to understand the Commission’s preparations for off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections.

“We regard ourselves as partners in Nigeria’s democratic journey. We have a strong interest in supporting the country’s democratic process and hope our engagement will be seen as a sign of both moral support and practical cooperation,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria and the United Kingdom had strengthened bilateral relations in recent years through expanded cooperation in governance, security, trade, justice and migration.

The envoy, who is expected to complete his diplomatic assignment in Nigeria in about six weeks, expressed confidence that his successor would continue to build on the existing partnership with INEC.

The meeting comes as the electoral commission intensifies reforms aimed at delivering credible, transparent and technology-driven elections in 2027, with increased emphasis on cybersecurity, voter inclusion and institutional collaboration.