Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has stepped up engagement with global technology and electoral organisations to advance the use of emerging technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Election.
Amupitan 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.
At the meeting with Microsoft, the INEC chairman engaged Ethan Chumley, Emerging Tech and Cyber Lead, and Ariana Molina, Programme Manager, on emerging technologies, cybersecurity and responsible AI, with particular focus on strengthening the resilience and security of electoral processes.
He also held a separate partnership meeting with Dr. Lisa Poggiali, Chief AI Advisor at IFES, focusing on artificial intelligence and its responsible application in electoral administration.
The engagements underscore INEC’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading technology and electoral institutions as it strengthens its institutional capacity and explores innovative approaches to managing emerging technological opportunities and risks in the electoral environment.
The meetings also complemented Amupitan’s participation in the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections, where he shared Nigeria’s experience and lessons in institutionalising responsible AI for electoral administration.
The three-day conference, held in Ottawa from September 9 to 11, 2026, brought together election management bodies, technology experts, international organisations and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence in electoral processes and promote responsible approaches to its application.
The engagements with Microsoft and IFES highlight the importance of sustained international collaboration as INEC works to strengthen the security, resilience, transparency and efficiency of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Election.
