By Anayo Akwitti
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sought the support of the United Nations (UN) and the United Kingdom (UK) to tackle foreign-driven disinformation, artificial intelligence (AI)-generated manipulation and hate speech ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during separate meetings with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Leonardo Santos Simao, and the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pete Vowles.
Amupitan identified Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) as one of the major threats to the forthcoming elections, warning that foreign actors increasingly use proxy platforms and other channels to manipulate public information.
He described the development as a serious challenge to Nigeria and the West African region, noting that the Commission’s research had revealed a growing trend of foreign information manipulation across the sub-region.
The INEC chairman called for international collaboration in establishing rapid-response mechanisms and public awareness programmes to counter misinformation, disinformation and the negative use of artificial intelligence.
He said the Commission was already engaging traditional rulers and other stakeholders at national and zonal levels to promote information verification and educate Nigerians on the dangers of fake news.
Amupitan also requested the UN’s assistance in developing early-warning and monitoring systems, facilitating dialogue among political actors to prevent electoral violence and promoting the participation of women, youths and vulnerable groups.
He disclosed that INEC was deploying its Election Risk Management tool in collaboration with security agencies to identify and monitor areas vulnerable to electoral violence.
On preparations for the elections, the chairman said the Commission had moved from strategic planning to full-scale implementation, with the first phase of the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027.
