By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke has described technology as a critical tool for achieving credible elections in Nigeria.
He stresses the need to harness digital innovation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for transparent electoral processes and effective information dissemination.
He spoke at the 2025 Osun Digital Media Week, organized by the Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) on Thursday in Osogbo.
Agboke was the guest speaker at the interactive session themed:
“Harnessing Technology and Artificial Intelligence Towards Credible Elections and Effective Information Dissemination in Nigeria.”
DHe commended OOPA for maintaining what he described as “a robust intellectual platform that promotes responsible, ethical, and forward-looking digital journalism.”
The REC noted that as information technology continues to shape national development, digital media practitioners play an increasingly vital role in supporting democracy through accuracy, professionalism, and integrity.
In his presentation, he highlighted the significant impact of technology on Nigeria’s electoral system.
He pointed out that innovations such as the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), Smart Card Reader, and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have greatly improved voter authentication, reduced electoral malpractices, and enhanced transparency across polling processes.
Also, he emphasized that sustained investment in technology is essential to maintain and expand the progress already achieved.
His words, “Technology has become the backbone of credible elections in Nigeria.
“The progression from manual processes to biometric accreditation, and now to BVAS demonstrates INEC’s commitment to protecting the integrity of the vote. What we are seeing today is a system that increasingly resists manipulation,”.
Agboke highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence, AI, in strengthening electoral integrity, especially in combating fake news, deepfakes, misinformation, and coordinated online propaganda—threats capable of undermining public confidence in elections.
He explained that AI-driven verification tools, early warning systems, and automated content analysis offer new possibilities for detecting and halting the spread of false information.
“Artificial Intelligence offers enormous possibilities for early detection of fake news and harmful content. We must deploy these technologies responsibly to protect citizens and ensure that misinformation does not undermine democracy,” he added
The REC urged online publishers, bloggers, and digital media professionals to adopt strict fact-checking standards, uphold ethics, and maintain non-partisanship in their electoral reporting.
He stressed that the credibility of elections depends not only on INEC but also on how information is presented to the public.
Agboke called for deeper collaboration between digital media and INEC, particularly in public education, combating misinformation, and promoting civic awareness.
Earlier, the Chairman of OOPA welcomed the REC and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to digital professionalism, capacity building, and responsible information dissemination.
He noted that the 2025 Osun Digital Media Week was designed to strengthen partnerships between digital media practitioners, electoral institutions, and civil society organizations.
The event included a lively discussion session where participants engaged the REC on issues such as voter education, election technology, media responsibility, and ongoing electoral reforms.
The 2025 Osun Digital Media Week continues to provide one of the state’s most influential platforms for bridging technology, governance, media innovation, and civic responsibility.
Participants described Agboke’s presentation as timely and insightful, reaffirming their commitment to deploying technology, ethical standards, and responsible journalism to support credible elections in Nigeria.
