The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified international partnerships on artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and cybersecurity as part of efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, held strategic meetings with senior officials of Microsoft and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) on the sidelines of the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections in Ottawa, Canada.
He was accompanied by the Commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Lawrence Bayode.
At the meeting with Microsoft, Amupitan engaged Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, on emerging technologies, cybersecurity and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to enhance the resilience and security of electoral processes.
The INEC Chairman also met separately with Dr. Lisa Poggiali, Chief AI Advisor at IFES, to explore collaboration on artificial intelligence and its responsible application in election administration.
The engagements form part of INEC’s broader strategy to strengthen institutional capacity and develop partnerships with global technology and electoral organisations as the Commission responds to emerging technological opportunities and threats.
The discussions also build on Amupitan’s participation in the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, where he shared Nigeria’s experience and lessons in institutionalising responsible AI within electoral administration.
The three-day conference, holding in Ottawa from September 9 to 11, 2026, brings together election management bodies, technology specialists, international organisations and other stakeholders to assess the opportunities and risks posed by artificial intelligence in electoral processes.
Participants are also examining measures to promote responsible, secure and transparent applications of AI in elections.
INEC said its engagements with Microsoft and IFES underscored the importance of sustained international cooperation in strengthening the security, transparency, resilience and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Commission is expected to continue exploring technological partnerships as preparations intensify for the 2027 elections under the #NigeriaDecides2027 campaign.
