The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is strengthening international partnerships on emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as part of efforts to enhance the security and resilience of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, disclosed this during strategic partnership 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.
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Professor Amupitan was accompanied by the Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode.
At the meeting with Microsoft, the INEC Chairman held discussions with Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, on emerging technologies, cybersecurity and the responsible application of artificial intelligence in electoral processes.
The discussions focused particularly on opportunities for strengthening the resilience and security of electoral systems against emerging technological threats.
Professor Amupitan also met with the Chief AI Advisor at IFES, Dr Lisa Poggiali, to explore the responsible use of artificial intelligence in electoral administration.
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The engagements form part of INEC’s broader efforts to build strategic partnerships with leading global technology and electoral institutions while strengthening the Commission’s institutional capacity to respond to emerging opportunities and risks associated with technology.
They also complement the INEC Chairman’s participation in the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, where he shared Nigeria’s experiences and lessons in institutionalising responsible artificial intelligence for electoral administration.
The three-day conference, holding in Ottawa from September 9 to 11, 2026, brings together election management bodies, technology experts, international organisations and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence in electoral processes.
The conference also seeks to promote responsible approaches to the development and deployment of AI in elections.
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The meetings with Microsoft and IFES highlight the importance of sustained international collaboration as INEC works to strengthen the security, transparency, resilience and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Punch