Strengthening the Nigerian Electoral Process Through Artificial Intelligence Adoption: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62054/ijdm/0204.18Abstract
The Nigerian electoral system has faced several reforms aimed to improve transparency, inclusiveness, and efficiency in the electoral processes. But there are still unresolved issues such as voter fraud, logistical failures, misinformation, ballot manipulation, and mistrust in electoral institutions persist. This study examines how AI adoption can strengthen the Nigerian electoral process by addressing long-standing vulnerabilities based on a comprehensive literature review, the study highlights fit falls in voter registration, identity verification, election logistics, security monitoring, fraud detection, disinformation management, and results collation. Findings reveal that while AI offers significant promise, its effective adoption requires robust governance structures, improved digital infrastructure, strong regulatory frameworks, public awareness campaigns, and inter-agency collaboration. The paper recommends a multi-level policy roadmap for responsible AI adoption in the Nigerian electoral process.
References
Adebayo, T., & Oladipo, S. (2021). Artificial intelligence for disinformation detection in social media. Journal of Digital Ethics, 5(2), 44–59.
Adebayo, T., & Olatunji, S. (2022). Artificial intelligence applications in African electoral management systems. Journal of Digital Governance, 5(2), 45–59.
Adekunle, S., & Ibrahim, M. (2021). AI-based optimization models for electoral resource allocation in West Africa. Journal of e-Governance and Policy Analytics, 4(1), 55–70.
Adetunji, O. A., & Oke, O. (2023). Fake news, electoral administration and the role of artificial intelligence in Nigeria. Journal of Contemporary Society & Education, 3(1), 6–15.
Chiemeke, S., & Ayo, C. (2020). Machine learning applications in election logistics and resource distribution. African Journal of Information Systems, 12(3), 88–104.
David, I. O., Adeniyi, I. S., & Aliu, A. O. (2024). Utilization of artificial intelligence in the democratization process of Nigeria. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Research, 3(2), 5–12.
Deepak, P., Simoes, S., & MacCarthaigh, M. (2023). AI and core electoral processes: Mapping the horizons. arXiv preprint arXiv:2302.03774.
Eze, P., & Okoye, U. (2022). The impact of fake news and digital misinformation on Nigerian elections. African Journal of Communication Studies, 8(1), 77–92.
Godwin, A. (2024). A critique of technology integration in Nigeria’s elections. Electoral Studies Review, 12(1), 44–62.
INEC. (2022). Operational challenges and improvements in Nigeria’s general elections. Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC. (2023). Report on voter registration and electoral technology in Nigeria. Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC. (2025). Press release on creation of INEC AI Division. INEC Publications.
Nairametrics. (2025). INEC creates Artificial Intelligence Division aimed at strengthening electoral credibility across Nigeria.
NDR (2025). Electoral reform and the potential role of AI in the Nigerian electoral system. National Democratic Review.
Nwankwo, C., & Chukwu, L. (2023). AI-driven monitoring of election-related disinformation in developing democracies. International Journal of Political Technology, 4(3), 33–49.
Nwosu, P., & Danjuma, S. (2023). Artificial intelligence and electoral fraud detection: Emerging approaches in developing democracies. International Journal of Digital Security, 6(2), 101–118.
Ogunmokun, A., Ayanlade, A., & Olaposi, O. (2024). Adoption of election technologies in Nigeria: Factors and challenges. African Governance and Development Journal, 18(2), 233–252.
Ojo, A. (2020). Biometric technology and election integrity in sub-Saharan Africa. African Journal of ICT Policy, 12(1), 33–47.
Ojo, A. (2020). Deepfake detection and media integrity in African digital spaces. African Journal of ICT Policy, 12(2), 21–36.
Okafor, C. (2021). Predictive analytics for risk management in electoral processes. Journal of Democracy and Technology, 3(4), 67–82.
Okezie, W. I., Inobemhe, K., Udeh, N. T. S., & Modeyin, O. E. (2025). AI in Nigerian elections: Tool for safeguarding democracy or weapon for deepfakes? Nepal Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 8(3), 89–108.
Okoro, C., & Musa, U. (2021). Machine learning and data integrity in voter management. International Review of e-Governance, 9(3), 77–90.
Osemuyi, T. (2023). Artificial intelligence and electoral governance in Africa. African Journal of Democratic Studies, 7(4), 120–135.
Tajudeen, A. (2025). Artificial intelligence and elections in Nigeria: Assessing the possible impact. Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations, 3(2), 190–201.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Usman D. Haruna (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors are solely responsible for obtaining permission to reproduce any copyrighted material contained in the manuscript as submitted. Any instance of possible prior publication in any form must be disclosed at the time the manuscript is submitted and a
copy or link to the publication must be provided.
The Journal articles are open access and are distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 IGO License, which permits use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
No modifications or commercial use of the articles are permitted.
