The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is stepping up preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections with plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) tools and 57,000 new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices. The measures are intended to strengthen voter accreditation, protect election data and improve the verification of results.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the technology upgrades in Abuja in early October as the commission moved into the final 100-day preparation period. The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16,
How INEC Plans To Use AI In The 2027 Elections
The new INEC AI and BVAS devices for the 2027 elections form part of a wider technology upgrade. According to the commission, its new AI division will work on detecting unusual database activity, identifying potential cyberattacks and strengthening the security of its digital systems.
INEC has also said it is improving the electronic result management system and the eEC8A form used to record polling-unit results. The enhanced process is intended to authenticate result sheets before they are uploaded to the commission’s public results portal.
However, INEC has stressed that AI systems will operate under human oversight. The technology is meant to support election officials, not replace their responsibility for decisions and verification.
Why 57,000 New BVAS Devices Matter
The 57,000 new BVAS devices are intended to strengthen the equipment available for voter accreditation. BVAS checks voters’ identities using biometric information, including fingerprints or facial recognition, helping reduce impersonation and unauthorised voting.
INEC says existing devices have also undergone software upgrades, battery optimisation and biometric calibration. It plans to conduct a six-day stress test of configured machines from October 23 to 28, followed by a nationwide mock accreditation exercise in November.
These tests will be important because equipment must work reliably across polling units with different power supplies, network conditions and operating environments. Buying new devices is only one part of the task. Training, maintenance and technical support will also determine how well the technology performs on election day.
Deepfakes And Fake Election Results Are Another Concern
INEC’s technology plans come with a warning about the growing use of AI to spread false election information. Amupitan has cautioned that manipulated videos, cloned voices and fake documents could be used to impersonate officials or circulate fabricated results.
This creates a challenge beyond the polling unit. Even if accreditation and result verification systems work properly, false claims circulating online could still confuse voters and damage confidence in the process.
INEC has urged journalists and media organisations to verify election information before publishing it. The commission will also need clear communication and accessible evidence so the public can distinguish official information from fabricated content.
What Voters Should Watch Before 2027
The Nigeria 2027 election technology upgrade will face several practical tests before voting begins. The October stress tests and November mock accreditation exercise should help identify technical problems while there is still time to address them.
Voters should also check their registration details and follow INEC announcements about Permanent Voter Card collection. The commission has said the national register contains more than 103 million voters, following the latest registration exercise.
Ultimately, technology can help make elections more secure, but it cannot guarantee public trust on its own. INEC will need reliable equipment, transparent procedures, trained personnel and clear communication to show that the new systems work as intended.
The real test will come when these measures move from announcements and trials to actual voting and result verification in January and February 2027.
