Nigeria engages Google, Microsoft in quest for credible polls

by EMEKA OKONKWO
ABUJA – NIGERIA is engaging global technology companies to strengthen the application of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and boost cybersecurity in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.

Among the companies the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has engaged in recent days are Google and Microsoft.

Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, INEC chairperson, led a delegation to the just-concluded Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections in Ottawa, Canada.

Dr Lawrence Bayode, Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), was part of the delegation.

They met David Lopez, Google Global Lead: Civic Responsibility, to examine the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence in electoral processes.

The delegation met Microsoft executives Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, to discuss areas of mutual interest in emerging technologies, cybersecurity and responsible AI, particularly as they relate to strengthening the resilience and security of electoral processes.

“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,” INEC stated after the engagement.

INEC noted the meetings with Google and Microsoft, in addition to one with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (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 elections.

Africa’s largest nation by population, estimated at 242 million, is preparing for watershed polls in January and February.

With 93 million registered voters, Nigeria’s election is considered the largest electoral exercise for a Black democracy globally.

Recently, Amupitan warned AI-driven disinformation posed one of the most severe threats to the credibility of the elections.

African Liberty, a non-governmental platform, has recommended a nationwide digital literacy campaign to inform citizens about AI-enabled misinformation ahead of the polls.

– CAJ News