INEC firm up global partnerships on AI, cybersecurity ahead of 2027 elections

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has deepened the Commission’s engagement with leading global technology and electoral organisations as part of efforts to strengthen the application of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Prof. Amupitan held 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. He was accompanied at both engagements by the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Lawrence Bayode.

At the meeting with Microsoft, the Chairman engaged Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, on areas of mutual interest in emerging technologies, cybersecurity and responsible artificial intelligence, particularly as they relate to strengthening the resilience and security of electoral processes.

The Chairman also held a separate partnership meeting with Dr. Lisa Poggiali, Chief AI Advisor at IFES, focusing on artificial intelligence and its responsible application in electoral administration.

The engagements reflect INEC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading technology and electoral institutions as the Commission continues to strengthen its institutional capacity and explore innovative approaches to addressing emerging technological opportunities and risks in the electoral environment.

They also complement Prof. Amupitan’s participation at the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, where he shared Nigeria’s experience and lessons in the institutionalisation of responsible AI for electoral administration.

The three-day conference, holding in Ottawa from 9 to 11 September 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 and promote responsible approaches to its application.

The meetings with Microsoft and IFES underscore the importance of sustained international collaboration as INEC continues to strengthen the security, resilience, transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of #NigeriaDecides2027.