The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division to strengthen its capacity for data-driven decision-making, risk detection and mitigation, and to further automate voter services. This was revealed in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr. Sam Olumekun. Olumekun noted that during its regular weekly meeting held on Thursday, the Commission discussed, among other matters, the growing importance of AI in elections and electoral processes both in Nigeria and globally. He added that the new AI Division, housed within INEC’s ICT Department, will also provide geo-spatial intelligence to support logistical planning, including improved distribution of election materials and optimal polling unit allocation. “It will also enhance decision-making through data-driven insights, risk management and voter engagement. Furthermore, it will strengthen electoral credibility through predictive analytics, automation and intelligent safeguards”, said Olumekun. He said the Commission had recently attended several conferences with colleagues around the continent on the impact of AI on elections. According to him, these interactions were not only motivated by the concern over the use of AI to spread fake news or manipulate content online but also to utilise its benefits for election planning and administration. “Consequently, the Commission approved the creation of an Artificial Intelligence Division under the ICT Department to continue to harness the positive aspects of AI and mitigate its negative impact on elections. “The Division will enable the Commission to better coordinate and maximise existing technology investments through centralized AI governance. “This initiative puts the Commission in the forefront of institutionalising AI capabilities within our ICT infrastructure. It is also an important step in our ongoing reform of the electoral process in areas that only require administrative action by the Commission”, he explained.