Nigeria launches AI initiative to combat election disinformation

A new push for election integrity

Nigeria is preparing for its 2027 general election by launching a new initiative centered on artificial intelligence. The project, titled the AI for Elections Programme and Hackathon, was organized by Rise Networks in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the MacArthur Foundation. The primary goal is to create technology-based solutions that address specific challenges in the country's electoral process.

Experts in law, technology, and electoral administration gathered in Abuja to discuss how these tools can be used responsibly. The initiative seeks to improve access to information while strengthening the cybersecurity of the voting infrastructure. By bringing together software developers, journalists, and data analysts, the organizers hope to build a diverse set of tools to protect the democratic process.

The program focuses on five specific areas of development. These include creating trustworthy electoral information, performing electoral data analysis, and developing inclusive civic technology. Additionally, the project aims to bolster cybersecurity and improve the methods used for election observation across the country.

Tackling synthetic media and trust

One of the primary concerns for the initiative is the rising threat of synthetic media, which refers to content created by AI that mimics real people or events. Sade Dada, Meta’s head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa, noted that synthetic voices and cloned videos make the current information environment more difficult to navigate. These tools can be used to spread misinformation rapidly, making it harder for citizens to find reliable news.

However, the technology also offers ways to defend against these threats. Dada suggested that AI could be used to identify manipulated content and provide citizens with trustworthy information in their own native languages. She emphasized that because voters make decisions based on what they believe, maintaining information integrity is essential for a healthy democracy.

To support this, the initiative is looking into several specific technical approaches. These include the labeling of AI-generated content to alert users of its origin. Other strategies involve creating disclosures for political advertising and developing multilingual verification tools. These tools would help ensure that information remains accurate regardless of the language a voter speaks.

Modernizing electoral administration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is also looking at how AI can improve the internal management of elections. Dr. Bayode Lawrence, the Director of Information and Communication Technology at INEC, stated that AI could improve administration if it does not compromise the transparency of the results. The commission is currently exploring applications for voter information services and overall operational efficiency.

A key part of this technological shift involves the detection of disinformation and the management of electoral data. INEC is specifically looking at how AI can help identify false information circulating during the election cycle. By automating some of these processes, the commission hopes to create a more robust system that can withstand modern digital threats.

The commission is already deploying intelligent document processing technology within its result management system. This technology is used to digitize result sheets and automatically check electronically entered figures against scanned copies. If the system finds a discrepancy, it prevents the results from being uploaded until the error is resolved. This measure is designed to reduce human error and ensure that the figures displayed on the public portal match the physical records at polling units.

Hackathon goals and community growth

The AI for Elections Programme includes a nationwide hackathon that opened recently and will remain open until late 2026. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, the program's convener, explained that the goal is to address the needs of underserved communities. Participants are tasked with creating multilingual civic technology that improves how people access and understand electoral information.

To ensure the projects are viable, participants will work with sample datasets provided by the organizers. They are required to comply with strict cybersecurity standards to ensure they do not interfere with existing electoral infrastructure. The initiative is supported by various technology partners, including Meta, Microsoft, Google, and several local broadcasting and foundation groups.

The project is designed to have a long-term impact beyond the initial competition. The organizers plan to establish an AI Innovations Development Hub and a Community of Practice. These structures are intended to sustain collaboration among Nigerians who are working on electoral issues, ensuring that the technological progress continues long after the hackathon ends.

Legal and ethical safeguards

While the potential benefits of AI in elections are significant, experts warn that the technology also carries substantial risks. Lawyer Tsema Ede highlighted that AI offers opportunities for the automated monitoring of electoral malpractice and improved voter education. However, she noted that these same capabilities could be misused if not governed by proper safeguards.

Because AI has both beneficial and potentially harmful applications, the legal and ethical considerations of its use are paramount. The initiative seeks to balance the power of automation with the need for human oversight and regulatory protection. Ensuring that these tools are developed with ethics at the forefront is a key requirement for the participants in the hackathon.

The selection process for the hackathon will eventually lead to a phase of mentoring and prototyping for the most promising entries. Finalists will receive support from technology partners to turn their ideas into functional tools. This structured approach aims to ensure that the final products are not only innovative but also safe and effective for use in a real-world election environment.