In a bid to advance electoral processes, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has created an Artificial Intelligence department. The body made the announcement on Thursday, confirming that the new AI unit will operate within its Information and Communication Technology Department.
More so, the statement emanated from the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, at the end of INEC’s meeting on Thursday in Abuja. As revealed, INEC decided to launch the AI unit after participating in various conferences across the globe that centered on the impact of AI on elections.
The commission revealed that artificial intelligence has both good and bad sides. While discussing the downsides, INEC said AI can contribute to the dissemination of fake information and help manipulate content.
On the flip side, the body admitted that the innovation has proved useful in data-driven decision-making, risk management, service automation, and geo-spatial intelligence. Additionally, the electoral commission stated that the new unit will leverage AI to enhance logistics planning, material distribution and polling unit allocation.
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By that, INEC is confident that the new division will help improve the integrity and efficiency of elections using predictive analytics and intelligent automation. Also, the commission said it will make electoral processes in Nigeria more credible and transparent.
INEC recognizes George Moghalu as LP governorship candidate for Anambra state election
Meanwhile, the development emanated shortly after INEC published the name of Chief George Moghalu as the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate for Anambra State election. With the move, the electoral body acknowledged Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the political party.
Recall that in April, Afrocover reported that Moghalu emerged as the winner of the LP primary election held by the Abure-led faction. As reported, the business mogul defeated his only rival John Nwosu by 573 votes to 19.
The declaration by INEC puts an end to the uncertainty surrounding the flag bearer of the LP ahead of the gubernatorial election. It is worth mentioning that Jude Umenajiego, a lawmaker representing Onitsha South Two at the state assembly emerged as another factional candidate of the party for the election.
As it stands, George Moghalu is set to contest against incumbent governor, Charles Soludo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicholas Ukachukwu as the front-runners for the election.
