Jega Warns INEC of AI Threats to 2027 Elections, Urges Safeguards

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, recently warned in Nigeria about the significant threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI) to the integrity of the 2027 general elections, urging INEC to implement verified chatbots and a rapid-response system.

This development carries substantial legal significance for practitioners, businesses, and the public, as it highlights the nascent but critical intersection of technology and electoral law in Nigeria. The potential for AI-driven disinformation, deepfakes, and automated manipulation of public opinion could severely undermine the credibility of democratic processes, leading to electoral disputes and challenges to the legitimacy of elected officials. For businesses, particularly those in the technology, media, and public relations sectors, this signals an impending need for robust ethical guidelines and compliance frameworks regarding AI use in political communication and data handling.

The legal context for these concerns primarily revolves around the Electoral Act 2022, the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), and INEC's statutory mandate to conduct free, fair, and credible elections. While existing laws address electoral offences and campaign finance, there is currently a legislative vacuum concerning the specific regulation of AI in electoral campaigns and administration. This situation necessitates a proactive approach from lawmakers and regulators to develop new statutes or amend existing ones to address AI-specific challenges, drawing lessons from international best practices in electoral integrity and digital governance. Key parties involved include Professor Attahiru Jega, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian government, political parties, civil society organisations, and technology providers.

Practitioners should closely monitor legislative and regulatory developments concerning AI in electoral processes, advising clients on potential compliance obligations and risks associated with the use of AI tools in political campaigns or public discourse. Attorneys may need to prepare for novel forms of electoral litigation arising from AI-generated content or manipulation, requiring expertise in both electoral law and emerging technology law. Businesses, especially those offering AI solutions or digital marketing services, must anticipate the need for stringent internal policies to prevent misuse of their technologies in ways that could compromise election integrity, and should engage with policymakers to shape responsible regulatory frameworks.