2027: INEC chairman warns tribunals in opposition to digital proof manipulation

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has warned members of the 2027 Election Petition Tribunals in opposition to digital proof manipulation, notably the usage of synthetic intelligence to supply pretend audio and video recordings.

Amupitan gave the warning on Monday in Abuja whereas delivering the fee’s opening remarks at a three-day workshop for Justices of the Court of Appeal and tribunal members.

He urged the judges to topic digital proof to correct scrutiny, noting that AI-generated deepfakes and cloned audio might mislead courts throughout election disputes.

“Electronic evidence must be properly verified through forensic examination and certified INEC records to confirm that it is genuine.

“Technology should neither be treated as infallible nor dismissed simply because the evidence is electronic,” he mentioned.

The INEC chairman additionally urged tribunal members to keep away from technicalities that would forestall substantive justice and be certain that electoral disputes have been selected credible proof.

He mentioned the fee had launched the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections, 2026, to supply clearer requirements for assessing allegations of electoral malpractice and non-compliance.

Amupitan mentioned the credibility of the 2027 elections would rely not solely on INEC’s efficiency but in addition on the equity and transparency of the tribunals dealing with post-election disputes.