INEC Strengthens Global Tech Partnerships on AI Cybersecurity Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is deepening its collaboration with leading global technology and electoral organisations to strengthen the use of artificial intelligence (AI), emerging technologies and cybersecurity in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, 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.
Amupitan was accompanied by INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Dr. Lawrence Bayode.
At the meeting with Microsoft, the INEC Chairman engaged Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, on areas of mutual interest, particularly emerging technologies, cybersecurity and the responsible deployment of artificial intelligence to enhance the resilience and security of electoral processes.
He also held a separate meeting with Dr. Lisa Poggiali, Chief AI Advisor at IFES, where discussions focused on artificial intelligence and its responsible application in election administration.
The engagements form part of INEC’s efforts to build strategic partnerships with global technology and electoral institutions while strengthening its institutional capacity to respond to emerging technological opportunities and risks in the electoral environment.
The meetings also complement Amupitan’s participation in the three-day Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, holding in Ottawa from September 9 to 11, 2026.
At the conference, the INEC Chairman shared Nigeria’s experiences and lessons in institutionalising responsible AI for electoral administration.
The conference brings together election management bodies, technology experts, international organisations and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence in elections and promote responsible approaches to its deployment.
The engagements with Microsoft and IFES underscore the growing importance of international collaboration as INEC works to enhance the security, resilience, transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
