The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that it is awaiting the official judgment on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before taking any action, stressing that it would not rely on reports circulating on social media.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated this on Monday, November 9, 2026, during a press conference at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Amupitan noted that the Commission was yet to receive the judgment and would first study its contents before seeking expert advice from the relevant department and determining the appropriate steps to take.
He explained that judgments of such nature are usually forwarded to the Chairman, who then consults the relevant department before the matter is presented to the Commission for consideration.
The INEC Chairman also announced a major change to the Commission’s voter registration process, directing its Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to discontinue the use of web cameras and introduce an app-based camera system.
Amupitan explained that the measure is aimed at preventing the importation of externally sourced photographs into the voter registration system following concerns over AI-generated images found in the voters’ register.
He affirmed that the Commission had identified access points and numbers used to compromise the system, noting that some access had been granted by authorised persons.
Amupitan said that INEC had thoroughly investigated complaints received through its boards, online platforms, and social media, adding that many of the cases had been examined to establish the facts.
On allegations of double registration and possible staff involvement, he disclosed that the Commission had identified staff members connected to the irregularities and was taking appropriate steps.
He mentioned that staff found culpable would face administrative and internal disciplinary measures, while those involved in criminal activities would be handed over to relevant law enforcement agencies for prosecution.
He added that security agencies were also conducting their own investigations into the matter.
The Chairman further disclosed that INEC had approved a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance framework to guide the responsible deployment and use of the technology in its operations.
He stressed that the Commission had previously adopted an AI policy in 2025 but considered it necessary to develop a more comprehensive framework in response to the rapid changes in artificial intelligence.
Amupitan emphasised that the framework was developed in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the UK High Commission, subjected to peer review and returned to the Commission before its approval.
He stated that the guidelines contained safeguards to ensure that AI was deployed for appropriate purposes and used responsibly.
Amupitan also confirmed that the Commission had reviewed its ICT infrastructure and cybersecurity arrangements at its meeting on Monday as part of preparations for the forthcoming general election.
On the possibility of introducing early voting for journalists, INEC officials, and other people engaged in election duties, the Chairman said that the Commission had proposed the measure during the amendment of the Electoral Act.
However, he noted that the proposal did not receive the support of the National Assembly and that early voting was not currently recognised under the country’s electoral laws.
He reiterated that INEC would continue advocating for the inclusion of the provision to enable people engaged in election duties to exercise their voting rights.
