The Obidient Movement has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure greater transparency, accountability and public confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This is contained in a statement signed by its Worldwide Coordinator, Dr Yunusa Tanko, in Abuja, following INEC’s proposed deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the conduct of the 2027 elections.
The statement says while technology could support the electoral process, INEC should clearly explain how the proposed AI system will work, the challenges it is expected to address and the safeguards that would be put in place to ensure its reliability and transparency.
It also calls for an independent audit of INEC’s electoral technology, with the findings and corrective measures made available to the public.
According to the statement, the major concern ahead of 2027 should be ensuring that every vote cast at the polling unit is accurately captured, transmitted and reflected in the final results.
It further urges INEC to provide a comprehensive 2027 election plan covering the technologies, procedures and safeguards to be deployed during the elections.
According to the statement, the Movement also raises concerns about the continued involvement of some officials in the Commission’s ICT operations, calling for measures to ensure that those responsible for critical electoral systems maintain public confidence and independence.
It urges INEC to subject its proposed AI technology to independent testing and public scrutiny before deployment.
The Movement says transparent electoral processes would help strengthen confidence in the 2027 elections and reduce concerns over the credibility of the results.
It calls on INEC to address existing concerns early and ensure that the 2027 elections are conducted in a manner that protects the integrity of every vote.
The Movement maintains that the people’s mandate must be respected and accurately reflected in the final outcome of the elections.
