Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has held discussions with Google’s global civic responsibility leadership on the role of artificial intelligence in electoral processes.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, met with Google Global Lead for Civic Responsibility David J. Lopez on September 11, 2026, in Ottawa, Canada. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Global Conference on Responsible AI and Elections.
The conference brings together election management bodies, technology experts and other stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of AI in elections.
Discussions are focused on how emerging technologies can be applied responsibly while addressing potential risks to electoral processes. Key considerations include the need to balance innovation with trust, transparency, security and the integrity of election-related digital systems.
Amupitan was accompanied by INEC Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr. Lawrence Bayode. The engagement reflects growing attention to the role of technology in election administration and the responsible use of AI.
The discussions come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with digital systems expected to remain an important part of election administration. Engagements between election authorities and technology stakeholders could help inform approaches to managing emerging risks and opportunities linked to AI.
The meeting highlights the importance of collaboration between election management bodies, technology companies and civic stakeholders in supporting secure, transparent and responsible technology use in electoral processes.
