Aisha Yesufu Explains Why INEC Shouldn’t Use AI For 2027 Elections

Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) member and human rights activist Aisha Yesufu has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposal to use artificial intelligence (AI) in collating results for the 2027 general elections.

According to reports monitored by Ireporter Online, Yesufu expressed her opposition in a video shared on X, arguing that the electoral commission should not adopt AI for the exercise without addressing broader concerns about accountability, transparency and scrutiny in governance.

She cited the experience of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), claiming that several companies were still dealing with the repercussions of the agency’s engagement with artificial intelligence.

Yesufu maintained that the introduction of technology alone would not resolve the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral and governance systems. She argued that citizens must first elect leaders who are willing to subject themselves to accountability and public scrutiny.

According to the activist, the quality and commitment of elected officials remain central to addressing concerns about governance, regardless of the technological tools adopted by public institutions.

In a related development, Yesufu has criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over his claims about the political strategy of the G5 governors during the 2023 presidential election.

Wike had reportedly stated that the group deliberately allowed Labour Party candidate Peter Obi to gain votes in parts of the South-South region to reduce the electoral advantage of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The minister explained that the strategy was based on the PDP’s traditional strength in the region, although Rivers State was excluded from the arrangement because the group did not want Obi to win there.

Reacting to the claims in a post on X, Yesufu questioned Wike’s assertions about his political influence and suggested that his relevance outside government should be examined.

She also referenced the 2023 senatorial elections involving members of the G5 group as part of her challenge to the minister’s claims.

Yesufu’s comments have brought renewed attention to debates over the use of artificial intelligence in Nigeria’s electoral process, as well as disagreements among political figures over the influence and strategies of key players during the 2023 elections.