NGO to launch AI tool against election disinformation

Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a non-governmental organisation, is set to launch an AI tool to tackle electoral misinformation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Bukola Idowu, KDI executive director, said the portal, which will be launched on June 13 in Abuja, will feature a live demonstration.

“Over the years, citizens in Nigeria have been faced with the challenge of misinformation and disinformation in processing electoral data,” the statement reads.

“In a bid to bridge the electoral information gap in Nigeria, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is elated to announce the development of her innovative Election Al tool, designed to bridge the electoral information gap among citizens, particularly the youth.”

KDI said the tool will “empower” electorates with “accessible simplified, accurate, and comprehensive electoral information to enable them to make “informed decisions” during the electoral process.

“The innovative Election Al tool, which is being developed by KDI’s Tech4Democracy team, will serve as a reliable source of electoral information, offering simplified real-time data-driven information,” Idowu said.

“By leveraging the power of AI, KDI is committed to providing a platform that ensures every citizen has access to accurate information to participate fully in electoral and democratic processes.

“The Election AI tool represents a significant leap forward in how citizens can understand the election framework from the Constitution, Electoral Act 2022, and INEC Election guidelines among several others.”

KDI expressed commitment to “advancing” democracy and civic engagement in Nigeria, adding that the portal will serve as an incentive for driving a positive change in electoral engagement and information dissemination.