Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has underscored the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to address systemic issues in Nigeria’s electoral process, highlighting its ability to reduce human error and enhance transparency.
During his address at the 5th Social Influencers Summit in Kano, organized by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), the governor, represented by Alhaji Usman Bala, Special Adviser on State Affairs, emphasized AI’s promising role in tackling electoral challenges.
“In light of these challenges, the emergence of AI offers a promising opportunity to tackle many of the longstanding problems in our electoral process,” Bala stated.
Governor Yusuf highlighted AI’s capacity to streamline procedures and reduce errors, adding, “By automating sensitive tasks like vote counting, AI can help eliminate avenues for corruption and curb the influence of unscrupulous actors.”
He also addressed the cost-efficiency of AI compared to manual elections. “Through digitizing voter registration, real-time data analysis, and automated vote tabulation, we can ensure elections are more accurate, efficient, and transparent,” he noted.
However, he also expressed caution, warning that AI could be misused. “AI-driven surveillance can be weaponized to target political opponents and suppress dissent, and AI-powered misinformation, such as bots and deep fakes, poses a serious threat to the integrity of the electoral process,” the governor cautioned.
Malam Y. Z Ya’u, CITAD’s Executive Director, called for a public debate on AI’s role in elections, stating, “It’s crucial to initiate discussions on AI’s role in elections to guide future decisions. We’ve just had general elections, and many issues remain unresolved. AI could help address these questions.”
He also stressed the importance of influencers in driving societal change. “Influencers shape discussions in our communities. If we want change, we need people who can influence the realization of that change,” Y. Z Ya’u added, concluding by emphasizing CITAD’s efforts to bring influencers together to engage with key issues.