RISE Networks has launched the AI4Elections Hackathon to develop artificial intelligence-driven solutions to improve electoral transparency, combat misinformation and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The initiative was unveiled at a World Press Conference and Ecosystem Roundtable in Abuja, where the founder of RISE Networks, Dr Toyosi Akerele, said it would bring together software developers, journalists, election experts, researchers and technology specialists to address electoral challenges.
Akerele identified five key areas of focus: trustworthy electoral information, electoral data analysis, inclusive and multilingual civic technology, cybersecurity, and election observation and citizen accountability.
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She explained that the initiative would provide a platform for technology experts and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions to challenges affecting the credibility and transparency of elections.
The hackathon is supported by technology companies Meta, Microsoft and Google, alongside the MacArthur Foundation and Luminate. It will also establish an Elections Development Hub and a Community of Practice to promote research, innovation and collaboration.
Emphasising the need to protect electoral infrastructure and sensitive information, Akerele said participants must not interfere with the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) existing systems and would be required to use synthetic datasets during the hackathon.
She described RISE Networks as a non-partisan organisation committed to promoting credible elections through the responsible application of artificial intelligence.
Also speaking, INEC’s Director of Information and Communication Technology, Dr Lawrence Bayode, said the commission was taking steps towards the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence in electoral administration.
He disclosed that INEC had established an Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT Department and was developing a framework to guide the application of the technology.
Bayode explained that the commission was exploring the use of artificial intelligence in voter information, electoral data management, operational efficiency and misinformation detection.
He also revealed that INEC was deploying intelligent document-processing technology to digitise polling-unit result sheets and identify inconsistencies before the results were transmitted.
The initiative, he noted, formed part of efforts to leverage technology to improve electoral administration and strengthen the management of election-related information.
In his remarks, Professor Victor Odumuyiwa, identified in the event notes as an acting director, commended the initiative, describing it as a tool for promoting electoral transparency and accountability.
He urged Nigerians to contribute responsibly to efforts aimed at ensuring credible, free and fair elections in 2027 and beyond.
The AI4Elections Hackathon is expected to strengthen collaboration among citizens, technology experts, researchers and electoral authorities in developing innovative solutions to electoral challenges.
The initiative also seeks to improve access to reliable electoral information, promote citizen participation and support efforts to deliver more transparent, inclusive and credible elections in Nigeria.
