The Obidient Movement has questioned the proposed deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections, demanding greater transparency on how the technology will be used.
In a statement issued by its Worldwide Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, the movement said INEC had yet to sufficiently explain the purpose, operation and safeguards surrounding the proposed AI systems.
Tanko also raised concerns about transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process, urging the commission to explain the specific problems the technology was designed to address and the measures that would prevent its abuse.
According to him, technology is not the fundamental challenge confronting Nigeria’s electoral system, but issues relating to transparency, institutional independence and accountability.
The Obidient Movement also expressed concern over the continued involvement of INEC’s ICT leadership in preparations for the 2027 elections.
Tanko alleged that some officials involved in the management of the commission’s ICT systems during the 2023 elections remained in critical positions ahead of the 2027 polls.
He urged INEC to provide Nigerians with a comprehensive plan for the 2027 elections, including details of the technologies, procedures and safeguards that would be deployed.
The group also called for transparent and verifiable transmission of election results to ensure that figures recorded at polling units were accurately reflected in the final results.
Tanko further urged the commission to subject its proposed AI systems to independent testing and public scrutiny before deployment.
He called for measures to strengthen the independence of INEC’s ICT leadership and improve public confidence in the electoral process.
Tanko urged the INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan, to ensure that the commission’s preparations and processes for the 2027 elections remained transparent and credible.
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